Front Cover:
members leaving
Eyemouth on one
of the National
Rally ride-outs in
Scotland

We believe the contents of Golden Wing to be
correct at the time of publication. The Honda
Owners Club (GB) cannot be held responsible for
any errors, omissions, or for subsequent changes
to details given in this publication or for the
consequence of any reliance on the information.
The views expressed in this publication are not
necessarily those of the Honda Owners Club (GB) or
the Executive Committee.... so there!

Seasons greetings. I am writing this just after
receiving my fantastic autumn edition of Golden
Wing. Unsure quite when you will be reading this. It is
always my aim to try and write so that whenever you
read the column it is still relevant and timely.
So rather than just saying ‘’you’ve all done very
well’’ I want to think about future as well as past events
with the club. By the time you read this I will certainly
have left work and if it is after the 12th of January I will
be a pensioner. What does this mean in real terms
regarding the club? Well I will have more free time to
attend events that in the past I had to check work shift
patterns and book leave for. Now it is only Mrs Young
that I have to book time off from and I am assured she
will probably be more than grateful to have me out
from under her feet when I am not working. Of course
it also means DIY galore finally getting ‘’Round tuit’’
at home.
I will also finally be finishing off the HOC history
project that I started in 2010 but along with the
difficulty in accumulating any sort of archive material
I also experienced a few technical difficulties with
computer and scanner equipment but thanks to various
members assistance these can now be got on with.
On a more personal note I will be going shopping
- that is for my home abroad. As many already know
it has been my goal to move abroad in retirement and
that still stands. The next twelve months will establish
exactly where and when the move occurs. That will
leave the decision to be made as to whether the
National Chairman of the HOC can remain so whilst
living abroad. That will be down to the membership
to decide.

AGM

Talking of decisions this years AGM was well
attended and main subject of debate was the club’s
funding. We are not broke but we are in the position
of tightening belts. Also it was agreed at the meeting
that we are to raise the fee for membership of the
HOC. So please look at the minutes and speak with
your branch secretaries if you are unsure what the new
rates are. Graham will I am sure let you know exactly
when your renewals are due and what the price is.
What I will stress is that it is in your interest to sign up
for direct debit for the best deal overall.
This move will realise an extra £4000 per year to
invest in keeping the club active.
We are also trimming our presence at shows by
sticking to using the kit we have rather than hiring large
marquees etc. So at the BMF show we will be in the
4

GOLDEN WING

club area and will not have the cafe facility we have
run for years. We will however have some regalia,
some bikes and plenty of chatter. I am organising this
year’s club stand and will require some help and some
bikes. Preference on the restricted number of passes
will be given to those who can be there for the whole
weekend upto and including 5pm on the Sunday.
The NEC show just past was again largely
financed by the sale of discounted tickets to members.
Whilst this offer continues to be offered we will utilise
it subject to the rest of the show aspects being of value
to us. As ever the show was a tribute to the organisers
from our team.
Additionally there were some tickets put up for grabs
by auction the winner being Trevor Lloyd from West
Midlands. Our thanks go to Honda UK for giving us
those tickets the funds raised went to our charity fund
which we are continuing to run until the end of our
financial year. Hopefully by then NABB will be getting
a very generous cheques from us.

Rallies

The summer ended with a brilliant National Rally in
Scotland and I do hope we get back up there again
soon. 2013 will be in South Wales its all arranged as
to venue and the bookings are filling fast so get yours
to Donna as soon as possible.
I want to get to as many as possible this year but
will also say I have already planned a biking trip
away from mid July to second weekend of August so
will not be attending any at that time.

2013 Chairman’s Challenge

The competition will start again in March and
will again be visiting a combination of eating places
and spots of some sort of interest to most. We will be
heading west first that is all I am saying for now.
Anyway Happy New Year to you all and I look
forward to seeing many of you through the year.

“Ride on but most of all, ride safe”

Andy ‘Dibble’ Young

Chairman

To be kept further up-to-date, e-mail me on

chairman@hoc.org.uk

WINTER 2012

Honda Owners Club

Annual General Meeting
I hereby give notice that the 2013 Annual General Meeting of the Honda Owners
Club (GB) will be held on Sunday 20th October 2013 in the
Premier Suite, National Motorcycle Museum,
Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
Commencing at 11am
Tea, coffee and breakfast rolls will be available between 10 and 11am. There is a very good
restaurant in the museum or you can bring your own lunch for after the AGM.

All nominations for committee posts, or resolutions to be considered, must be made in writing
to the General Secretary at least 30 days before the AGM.
Nominations for committee positions must include a proposer and seconder - all of whom must
be fully paid up members of the HOC at the time of the AGM.

John Measures
( 0115 931 5167 or 0800 021 3065
. legaleagle@hoc.org.uk
FREE, no obligation, legal advice
if you have had an accident, give him a call

GOLDEN WING

5

Membership Matters
These rates were considered as extremely good
value seeing what is available to you as an HOC
member, a first class magazine and all the various
activities which are organized for your benefit.

Direct Debit
Don’t forget that it makes life so much simpler
to sign up for Direct Debit, so you needn’t worry
about letting your membership lapse. All you need
to do is return the renewal form when you receive
it with your bank details and we will do the rest.
I am in the process of advising all members who
currently pay by Direct Debit, confirmation of the
amount you will pay at your next renewal.

WELCOME
Welcome to all new members who have joined
the club especially at Motorcycle Live at the NEC.
I hope you enjoy your membership of the club
and I know that some of you have already attended
branch meetings and received a warm welcome.

MOVING?
Don’t forget if you move, let me know, and no
other club official, as I keep the address files up to
date, (You can write or send an E Mail). Don’t let it
be YOU who we lose contact with.

Renewing Your Subscription
With the higher postal prices, when you receive
a renewal reminder, don’t forget that you can also
renew your subscriptions using PayPal. Just go to
our Website and follow the simple instructions.
Alternatively if you have on-line banking you
can transfer your subscription direct to our bank
account. Full instructions will be included with your
renewal form.

Subscription Rates
As you will read elsewhere, at our AGM,
increased rates were approved, so the rate is now
£22 for Single membership and £27 for Joint.

Graham Gull

Membership Secretary

CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Please send change of address details to the
Membership Secretary, 61 Vicarage Road, Ware SG12 7BE
or e-mail membership@hoc.org.uk
Please do not send change of address details to Golden Wing
as only the Membership Secretary can make changes to the membership register.

Thanks
6

GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

Pigeon Post
I promise not to mention the weather…
Sorry I missed recent issues, but then again I
don’t suppose you are! Hands up anybody who
noticed.
I’ve been managing to get around to a few
branch and national events this year, thanks
partly to the chairman’s challenge, a good
excuse to get out on the bike and meet friends.
Norfolk branches excellent open day at Lings
Honda gave me the opportunity to test two of
the newest bikes on the market back to back,
the Crosstourer and the Triumph Explorer. I may
have to have both as I can’t make up my mind!
Thanks to Sue and Dave White for presenting
me with that expensive dilemma!
The Sunday lunch by Reading Branch was
another notable event, held in a shady forest
glade on a glorious day. Perhaps we should
have combined it with an archery session! (See
previous Beds branch write up).
Having said that you can’t beat the excitement
of seeing your tent being blown over the fence
or the marquee roof supports starting to bend at
the Solent rally in June. Oh what fun we have!
Once again we have enjoyed a well-attended,
successful National rally, our first over the border
in Scotland at Eyemouth. Being blown over the
Fourth Bridge as Jax and I headed North after
the rally was one of life’s enriching experiences!!
I am pleased to see that there is positive
news around the branches with The Gloucester
Branch reinventing itself at a new venue, and

a new branch being launched in Nottingham,
both in September. My thanks to Nigel Fuller
and Ian Nie at Gloucester and Debbie Reynolds
at Nottingham for their efforts thus far. I am
sure that we all wish them success with these
ventures. There are also changes in Devon with
Steve Letheren stepping down after a number
of years at the helm. Thanks to Steve and to Ian
Wickham who has stepped into his shoes.
Don’t forget that I am here to support all the
branch organisers and secretaries in their efforts
in any way that I can. You only have to call!
The AGM was well attended and you all
decided to put up with me (along with the
rest of the committee) for another year. Thanks
for that……….. It’s good to see members
participating in the running of the club. Don’t
forget, once you’ve paid that membership fee it
is your club and you are entitled to a say in its
running and future.
There, I didn’t mention the weather once.
Did I?
May Santa bring you that new bike and I look
forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Happy riding
Graham Seymour
General Secretary

Your stories needed!
Golden Wing is always looking for stories from
members of the HOC, could you help?
If you have been to an event (rally, show, ride) with the club, why not tell everyone about it?

You don’t have to be a brilliant writer, just someone with a story to tell.
Please send your articles and (more importantly) your pictures to Stritchy - contact details on p.2

WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING

7

8

GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

Rona’s Regalia Report
Well hello all. For those of you that weren’t
aware, Jennie has resigned from the post of
Regalia Secretary and I have been voted in
to replace her.
Most of you know me already, but if not, my
name is Rona, I’ve been with the club for 10
years now, I organise (along with the help of Alan
Sharkey) the NEC stand every year and I used to
run the Chester Branch before Gary took over. So
hopefully I have enough experience to do you and
the club proud in my new role.
As I’ve only been in the role for a month now,
not much has happened really. We obviously have
the NEC coming up which will give us a huge
opportunity to sell a lot of goodies. Although by
time of print, that event has probably been and
gone, so I will let you know all about it in the next
issue.
We are looking at doing a new line in the way
of a fleece scarf, hopefully before xmas, so you
can get them as pressies for your loved ones or
friends. But again due to print times for this, they
may well already be on the website and will be in
the next mag, so please get ordering.

If any branches have an event and need a box
of stuff to sell, please let me know ASAP as unlike
Jennie, I can’t get to all these events in person, so
I will need time to get them delivered to you. Or
alternatively if you only need a few items, I can
always bring them to a Management meeting with
me. I’m usually on the bike, so it would have to
only be what I can fit in the back box and/or tank
bag. Again on that note, if you have a member that
would like something I have in stock and would like
to save on postage, then just get the details and
bring the money to the meeting for them and I can
give it to you to take back with you. Please make
sure I have enough notice on that too. Although if I
don’t have anything else to bring, I will bring a few
bits with me anyway to sell at the meetings.
Sorry it’s a short one, but like I said I’ve only
been at this a very short time and nothing to tell yet
really, but keep on buying and have a fab xmas
and new year.

Rona Bell

Regalia Secretary

e
c
n
a
r
a
e
Cl
Items
We have a lot of stock of 50th
Anniversary items and also 2007
& 2008 National Rally stock left,
so please grab them while you can,
as once they’re gone, they’re gone.
The 2008 Weymouth Rally t-shirts
are £3 each or 2 for £5, 2007 &
2008 Rally lapel badges are 50p
so feel free to e-mail me to ask
about them.
WINTER 2012

The 2012 AGM was again held in the National Motorcycle Museum,
with free tea, coffee and bacon rolls before the meeting started.
Jennie Clarke stepped down as
Regalia Secretary - there was a
vote and Rona Bell was elected
to the position. All other Executive
Committee members were voted
back into their existing positions.

Most importantly it was agreed:
• that membership fees would increase
by £2, to be reviewed in 3 years time
• that NABB would continue as the
Club’s nominated charity until the end
of the financial year (31 July 2013)

Jennie received
flowers as thanks for
her work at regalia

If you’d like to read the full minutes of the AGM, you can download a pdf from the HOC website at
www.hoc.org.uk/files/AGM_2012_Minutes.pdf

Richard Edelston Trophy for 400/4’s
Held at the Air Ambulance charity day in
Northamptonshire - Martin Armstrong

Certificate of Appreciation
New award for those that have already received
Thanks Badges. Bit like a KBE really!
Chris & Marion Ward of the North Downs
Branch for always being there representing the
club in all weathers.
Jude Browne & Jon Stone for their efforts
at the West London Branch and at National
level over their 30 years with the club.
Graham Gull our membership secretary since
1969 and a regular at show stands representing
the club.

Alan Augustine Trophy
For outstanding contribution to the club.
Graham Gull in recognition of his past and
continuing contribution to the club at every level.

Chairman’s Challenge
With a 100% attendance record and a
determination to prevent a BMW rider from
winning - Martin Armstrong

Thanks Badges
Roy & Lesley Chettleburgh for their
support of Norfolk Branch and charity work.
Rob Mills also from the Norfolk Branch in
recognition of his efforts in setting up the branch.
Dave Cave for his support at the Northants &
MK Branch.
Paul Mabbutt for his support at the Northants
& MK Branch.
10 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

Saddle Sore 2013
Competition Rules
• The Saddle Sore Competition is open to
all paid-up members of the Honda Owners
Club (GB), attending an eligible event on a
motorcycle or scooter.
• The competition is also open to pillions, who
can enter in their own right.
• All events attended must be identified by an
entry in the Event Log and signed by the event
organiser or co-ordinator.
• On attending an event, there is no requirement
for a competitor to remain for the full duration
of the event.
• Completed event logs must be received by
the Saddle Sore Co-ordinator, by midnight
on 30th September 2013 - any entries
received after this time will not be valid.
• The winner will be member scoring the most
points in each category. In the event of a
draw, the prize for that category will
be shared.

• Mileage will be calculated, by the Saddle
Sore Co-ordinator, from the entrants home
post code to the post code of the event. It is
therefore essential that the event post code is
added on the Event Log. Entries without either
of these post codes will not be calculated.
• Qualifying events are advertised in Golden
Wing and on the HOC web site.
• The decision of the Saddle Sore
Co-ordinator is final in all matters
regarding the competition.

Points will be awarded as follows:
Engine size 500cc and under
110 points per event and 1 point per mile
Engine size over 500cc
100 points per event and 1 point per mile

The competition Entry Form can be downloaded at www.hoc.org.uk/saddlesore or by sending a
stamped self addressed envelope to Steve at the address below.
Entries must be sent to: Stephen Davenport, Saddle Sore 2013, 27 Welbeck Avenue, Chadderton,
Oldham OL9 9PD or e-mail: sss@hoc.org.uk

Entries must be received no later than
Monday 30th September 2013

2012 winners
Rider Award

Winner Erica Gassor

Pillion Award

Winner Gerald Gassor

2nd Pam Irving

Congratulations to the winners and to everyone for taking part

WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 11

Ann Levis 1955-2013
It is with great sadness that I have to
report that Ann passed away at 6 o’clock
on Tuesday 1st January.
We have all been shocked at how quickly
her illness developed and overcame her.
For those of you who didn’t have the pleasure
of knowing her, Ann was a valued member
of the club, attending meetings regularly and
coming along on the holidays and weekends.
She was a kind and loving person with a
delightful sense of humour and was always
full of fun.
Our thoughts are with Steve at this very sad
time.

Donna

South Wales Branch Scretary

D. Owen Installations
Installers of replacement UPVC Windows,
Doors, Porches, Conservatories plus
Fascia, Soffit, Cladding, Guttering and
Tiled Canopy Roofs.
• We are based in Wolverhampton
• Work is undertaken within a 100 mile radius
• All work is guaranteed
• We have been trading since 1989

Now in its 5th year, the annual RTTW to the National Memorial Arboretum has raised over £150,000
to support the ‘upkeep’ of a truly wonderful site, The Wall lists over 16,000 names of those that have
lost their lives serving their country since WWII, unfortunately that list grows ever longer.
A good turnout looked on the cards as most
members met at the Northants services on the M1,
myself and Sharon had positioned ourselves on the
bridge over the M6 at Junc 1 so we could video the
procession. Shortly after 9am we spotted the “bike
convoy” in the distance, what a fantastic sight that
was to see several hundred bikes many flying flags
of remembrance, union flags, military flags from all
arms, RTTW flags etc., and the list goes on. Once the
procession had past we jumped onto the “old banger”
and caught up with the main group. The ride to the
Arboretum was and is a spectacle not to be missed,
as far as the eye could see you had bikes in front
and behind you, flags everywhere, once again the
Marshalls did an excellent job, even Wabbit couldn’t
have gone wrong, honest! After we’d all arrived we
went and had a warm up brew and butty, after light
refreshments we did manage a brief look around the
150 acre site, which you really do need a full day for.
We gathered at 2pm for the “words of remembrance”
from Martin Dickinson (founder of RTTW) and Major
General Kirkland (patron of the charity) it was then
the turn of Michael Brotherton or the “Mad Bish” as
WINTER 2012

he is known, with a joke thrown in to start us off and
gain our attention he then read of the losses endured
during the Falklands campaign, this set your train of
thoughts before the “Last Post” was played and the
minutes silence thereafter, 15,000 people were there,
bikers and “civvys” but there was silence, total silence,
no birdsong, just silence, our thoughts engrossed with
a mixture of the great ride out we’d just experienced,
the huge turnout of bikers, and being again with your
HOC friends, and thoughts also on the somberside as
to why we were there, to remember those that have
made the ultimate sacrifice... We will remember them

I got to thinking a while ago about buying the right bike gear for the job and although
a lot of bikers have bought a lot of kit over the years, from speaking to them during the
course of the day it has come to my attention that, generally, people know very little about
what they need to look out for or have perhaps picked up bad habits over the years.
Either way, they can end up wearing the wrong things or sizes to be totally safe out there
on the big wide super highways. So I thought I’d do a series of articles from head to toe
and give you as much advice as I can based on my experience working for one of the
UK’s largest clothing and riding kit retailers.

Part 4: Boots & Gloves
Trying to find the right boots and gloves for you can be a minefield. There are so many
different types, shapes, sizes, colours etc to choose from, and so many different sized and
shaped hands and feet to fit into them. My best suggestion as with helmets, is to try on as
many as you can till one feels right. You will know when you find it. But boots and gloves can
do all sorts of different jobs too, so where do you start???

Lets start with gloves
Unlike a few other bits of your
kit, like lids and textiles, 1 pair
of gloves will not see you all
year round unfortunately. They
just don’t exist. You will have to
compromise at some point if you
only have 1 pair. You’ll either be
too hot in summer, or too cold in
winter or too wet all year. So if
you’re anything like me living in
this stupid weather country of
ours, you will have 3 pairs of
gloves. I have a full blown vented
non waterproof set for that one
really hot dry summers day. I
have 1 pair of waterproof leather
lightweight summer gloves, for
those more likely wet hot summer
days, and 1 pair of full blown fur
lined thick winter ones, which I
14 GOLDEN WING

Waterproof summer gloves

Waterproof winter gloves

can wear my silk inner liners on
underneath for added warmth.
So it can get very expensive with
gloves as you can see. In all I
think my 3 pairs have cost me
in excess of £230. Not cheap
this biking lark is it, but when it
comes to bike gear, I am a brand
name whore I’m afraid, and will
only have certain labels and that
unfortunately costs, but my kit
usually lasts me 5 years, so all
of a sudden it’s not so expensive
really, more like an investment.
And you can’t really put a price
on your safety now can you.
So you have full summer
gloves, armoured or not, and the
same for winter and waterproof
summer ones. Some people don’t
like armoured gloves as they
WINTER 2012

don’t feel comfy and can dig in,
but myself personally, I would not
have anything without armour in
it. When I say armoured, I mean
the knuckle armour like you get
on race gloves. But because
we’re all different, people always
struggle to get gloves to fit
properly. They’re either too tight
round the palm, or too short in
the fingers etc. Most clothing
of any sort gets bigger in every
way as the sizes go up, gloves
are no exception. The bigger the
palm, the longer the fingers, so
if you have big hands but short
fingers, you are going to find it
hard getting a pair of gloves to

Vented summer gloves

whatever
kit you
choose - make
sure they’re
comfortable!

fit. But just keep trying, they will
be out there somewhere.
The Italian labels such as
Dianese, Alpinestars etc, will
always be small sizes in all
their kit, so always look to go
up a size in those anyway. But
whatever size you go for, make
sure you don’t get a bunch up
of material between your thumb
and fingers on the palm. This
can cause blisters and a lot of
discomfort when your using the
grips, especially your throttle
hand. Again there are race
gloves, touring gloves, cruiser
gloves, so get what will suit your
needs best.

Boots
Pretty much the same thing
goes for boots as it does with
gloves. Although unlike gloves,
one pair does the job all year
round. They are all different, do
different jobs and will protect
you in different ways. But always
wear a pair that have at least got
ankle protection. Race boots like
my Sidi Vertigo’s are designed
for the track, they have every
reinforcement needed to protect
you from a spill. Touring boots
like the Daytona range, have no
where near as much protection,
but then they’re designed to be
comfy for doing thousands of
miles in and then having a nice
stroll round in when you get
somewhere, but if you’re lucky
like me and your race boots are
mega comfy anyway, then you
get the best of both worlds. But
of course race boots would look
stupid on a Harley ( sorry to swear
peeps) or an Adventure style bike
like the new Crosstourer. So it’s

WINTER 2012

all important to get a boot that
will look the part on your chosen
steed and be practical for what
you want out of it. And that
goes for all your kit really. It must
look the business and be safe
and practical for your particular
needs.

Waterproof race boots

Waterproof shorter touring

Non-waterproof off road

GOLDEN WING 15

To summarise this series of articles...
All the advice I have given over this series goes
for Pillions as well as Riders. There is nothing more
annoying and sickening to me than hearing some
guy coming into the shop saying he wants the
cheapest helmet we do cause she doesn’t go on
very often. They need shooting. My hubby had a
spill as he was coming to pick me up one night from
work because a stupid cow pulled out on him from
a side road in a car… he was only a mile away
from our house!!! So you think just cause she’s not
going on it much that you will never crash in that
time, and she doesn’t need protecting as much as
you doesn’t she!! Well you’re a really wonderful
boyfriend/husband then aren’t you. Don’t love her
much do you.
So while you’re wearing your £500 Arai, and
your £600 Alpinestar leathers, and £200 Sidi
boots etc, she’s in a £40 Takai and an old leather
jacket that she has in the wardrobe and a pair of
jeans and fashion boots. Good man!!! Wouldn’t
want to be your girlfriend that’s for damn sure.

If anyone would like any more
advice, I will always try to help
in any way I can, so feel free to
email me on regalia@hoc.org.uk
anytime and I’ll try to answer
your questions.
Have fun and stay safe out there

Rona

There is always a market for second hand bike
gear, lids included (even if I wouldn’t touch one
with a barge pole), so if she doesn’t like it, you can
always flog it on ebay and get some money back,
but at least she’s safe while she is on the bike.

So in essence, what it all boils
down to is this...
Get your kit to fit! Do not mistake bagginess
and comfort for good safe riding, yes it
needs to be comfy, you don’t want anything
distracting you from riding the bike, but
safety HAS to come first. So make sure it
is all snug AND comfy then you can get
on with the pleasure and fun that is biking,
safe in the knowledge that if some stupid
SMIDSY does pull out on you, that you have
the best kit on to be able to help you get up
and walk away.

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WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 17

Honda News
New Year, New Offers from Honda
Honda encourages you to start 2013
as you mean to go on, aboard twowheels, with a range of great new
offers and extended existing popular
offers across many of its motorcycles
and scooters, until 31 March 2013.
Sports riders can continue to benefit
from low rate finance of 0% APR, over
a period of 36 months on the current
2012 Honda
C B R10 0 0 R R
Fireblade and
its
smaller
sibling,
the
CBR60 0 RR
supersports
machine.
With spring
not too far around the corner, now is
a great time to buy, to ensure you are
in pole position for when the evenings
start drawing out and the sun arrives.

In the smaller capacity engine range,
both
the
best-selling
C B F12 5
a
n
d
P C X12 5
are
still
available at
0%
APR,
over
a
period
of
24 months and with just £99 deposit
and monthly payments of just over
£100. If your New Year’s resolution
is to do more with your free time, then
commuting on two-wheels is the ideal
way to gain precious minutes, plus
save precious pounds.
The critically acclaimed Crosstourer
adventure machine is now available
with 4.9% APR representative PCP
finance, over a period of 37 months.

What’s more, it comes with a £500
deposit contribution to get you
started. If you’re the impatient type
and are keen to go sun chasing, the
Crosstourer is the ideal machine on
which to ride off into the sunset, in
search of new horizons across the
continent.

With the ease, convenience,
practicality and excitement offered by
scooters and motorcycles, coupled
with Honda’s great finance offers to
make buying a Honda even more
affordable, now is a the perfect time
to get on to two-wheels with Honda
and get 2013 off to a great start.

Honda (UK) Apprentice Graduation Day Celebrates Class of 2012
Seventy apprentice graduates from Honda (UK)’s Car,
Motorcycle and Power Equipment business areas took to
the stage in December to receive certificates confirming
their successful completion of Honda’s acclaimed UK
apprenticeship programme. The Class of 2012 were
awarded their scrolls by Dave Hodgetts, Managing
Director of Honda (UK) at the Honda Institute, in Slough.
Special awards were presented to apprentices who
have excelled in their field over the year:
• Cars - Joshua Claridge (21), Newbury Honda
• Motorcycles - Nathan Searle (20), Bransons Motorcycles
• Power Equipment - Vince Thorpe (22), ATVs ‘R’ Us
• Parts Operations - John Murdoch (19), Phoenix Honda

Dave Hodgetts commented, “As some of the bestprepared apprentices of any industry in the UK these
young people have a very bright future. They have
worked tremendously hard, showing commitment, passion
and dedication. These qualities, along with the technical
skills that they have developed during their training, mean
that each has given themselves every chance to succeed
in their future careers.”

Honda (UK)’s apprenticeship programme consistently
scores above the national average for completion rates.
The programme takes place over two years for Lawn and
Garden and Parts Operations and three years for Car
and Motorcycle/ATV. During this time apprentices are
employed by their local Honda dealership and attend
block training at the Honda Institute working on products
within one of the four divisions.

WINTER 2012

Honda’s New and Updated Bikes for 2013
CB500X, CB500F and CBR500R

NSC50R

Three new middleweight machines powered by a brand
new parallel twin engine, that each offer fun handling,
accessible all-round ability and economical running
costs. The high-revving 35kW engine offers an engaging
power delivery. All have ABS as standard.
The fully-faired CBR500R
takes strong design cues from
the CBR1000RR Fireblade,
and provides an excellent first
big sports bike experience.
It will also appeal to
experienced riders looking for a great alternative to larger
sports bikes.
The naked CB500F, with
design inspired by the
CB1000R, makes an ideal
first full-size motorcycle - and
with its high build quality,
affordable price point and
low running costs will also make a great long-term partner.
The third of the trio, the
CB500X, is the latest addition
to Honda’s range of adventure
motorcycles. Physically taller,
with longer travel suspension,
a little more wheelbase and
bigger fuel tank than its siblings and Crosstourer styling.

Is a new 50cc scooter
designed to attract young
newcomers to 2 wheeled
transport with its combination
of fuel economy, Honda build
quality, security provided
by Honda’s Combined Braking System and stylish,
aggressive looks. The machine is available in Pearl
White, Grey Metallic and a Repsol colour scheme.

NSS300 Forza

Special Edition Crosstourer

The NSS300 Forza is a new
high specification, mid-size
sporty sit-in scooter, powered
by an engine that delivers
long-range
commuting
performance with a compact
chassis that offers storage for two full-faced helmets.

CBR600RR
For 2013, Honda’s Supersports
jewel has been significantly
upgraded, with a new-look face,
MotoGP-inspired
bodywork
and aerodynamics. Handling
has been further improved with
the addition of 41mm Showa
Big Piston Forks, refined rear
suspension and new 12-spoke
wheels, whilst remapped fuel
injection and air intake control settings make for even
better throttle response. The 2013 CBR600RR is available
in a new Repsol colour scheme.

WINTER 2012

CB1100
Is an exquisitely engineered
mix of classic and naked
styling that offers thoroughly
modern
and
engaging
performance with a timeless
design. The CB1100 is
powered by an air-cooled, in-line four and now makes
its long-awaited European debut after quickly gaining a
loyal fan base in both Japan and Australia.

CRF450 Rally
Honda’s new challenger for
the Dakar Rally. The first factorybacked Honda machine to enter
the Dakar rally since 1989 is
based on Honda’s production
endure machine the CRF450X.
New graphics and a matt black
look, including front forks, fender
and tail section. Offered with the
option of Honda’s unique Dual
Clutch Transmission technology.

CBR1000RR Fireblade
2013 colours: a new version of the
popular Tricolour colour scheme,
plus an all-new MotoGP inspired
Repsol Honda colour.

CB600F & CB1000R
Matt white versions for two models
built in Honda’s Atessa factory: the
ever-popular CB600F Hornet and
the CB1000R naked.

GOLDEN WING 19

Good finish for HRC in Dakar Rally
The complete TEAM HRC celebrated the arrival on the
podium of Helder Rodrigues, Javier Pizzolito and Johnny
Campbell, who finished respectively 7th, 8th and 40th in
the overall classification of the Dakar Rally.
A huge crowd gathered in Plaza de la Constitucion in
front of Santiago’s Palacio de la Moneda to celebrate the
arrival of the protagonists of the 2013 Dakar.
All in all 124 bikes, 26 quads, 89 cars and 60 trucks
for a total of 299 vehicles, out of the 449 that were at
the starting blocks in Lima, made it to the finish and they
paraded this morning for the final picture on the podium.
Tough and unpredictable till the very end, this year’s
Dakar was a great success in terms of the number of
competitors and spectators.
The President of Chile, Sebastiàn Piñera, personally
welcomed the champions as the Dakar finished for the
first time in the Chilean capital. A huge crowd gathered
in Plaza de la Constitucion in front of Santiago’s Palacio
de la Moneda to celebrate the arrival of the protagonists
of the 2013 Dakar.
“I’m very proud of this team”, said Tetsuo Suzuki,
President Honda Racing Corporation, “all three riders
completed the whole rally and everybody worked so
hard to get the best possible result. Dakar has a special

fascination as it is the toughest rally in the world and
requires machine reliability, strong riders and strategic
team work. This year’s results are promising and we will
continue to work on the development of the CRF450 Rally
to return stronger next year.
“My thoughts also go out to all the Honda fans around
the world who have supported TEAM HRC in their
Dakar debut with a new team after 24 years. They have
followed Helder’s, Javier’s and Johnny’s amazing rides
throughout 14 stages and 8,420 kilometres from Lima to
Santiago. We are very motivated and we will be back to
try and win next year.”

Not available in the UK...
Honda USA released details of a new 2013 Gold Wing
model, but it’s not what anyone would have expected.
The 2013 Gold Wing F6B and 2013 Gold Wing
F6B Deluxe are stripped down versions of the full-dress
machine that has been a favourite of touring riders for
almost four decades. The $19,999 F6B features a shorty
windscreen, a shaved trunk area and a gunfighter-style
seat for a decidedly bad-ass look. Then, Honda blackedout all the usually shiny bits to really give the new machine
a tough presence. This sure isn’t your dad’s ‘Wing.
Honda’s new Gold Wing bagger has the same engine,
but the trimmed down F6B sheds 62lbs over its full-dressed
counterpart, tripping the scales at a claimed 842lbs.
Although the F6B looks devoid of the creature comforts
that you’d expect on a Gold Wing, there is plenty of
luxury
under
the
meaner
and
leaner
exterior. This
includes
a
premium audio
system that is
MP3 or i-Pod
compatible

20 GOLDEN WING

and linked to a multi-information screen that displays
music information, clock, air temperature and odo/
trip meters. The lockable, waterproof saddlebags have
enough storage for a weekend trip on the open road,
and a glovebox adds convenience. The $20,999 Deluxe
version adds a passenger backrest, centre stand, selfcancelling turn signals and heated grips.
Having seen this bike in person last Thursday at a special
unveiling at the Honda Museum, I would have to add that
photos can’t do the Gold Wing F6B justice.
Of all the new machines Honda has released this year,
this one may be the one that makes the most waves.
Expect to see a whole new breed of ‘Wingers to grow
from the introduction of the F6B.
nicked From www.motorcycle-usa.com

WINTER 2012

Dave Thorpe
Honda Off-Road Centre
Honda (UK) is pleased to announce
a new experience offering in the
world of off-road, the Dave Thorpe
Honda Off-Road Centre.
Officially supported by Honda
(UK) and managed by four times
Motocross World Champion and
Buildbase Honda Team Manager,
Dave Thorpe - with the help of British
Motocross Championship contender,
Stephen Sword as Head Coach - the
new off-road experience centre will
be open for business from early 2013
and offers a purpose built training
and experience facility in the stunning
South Wales countryside, just 18
miles from Cardiff.
The Dave Thorpe Honda OffRoad Centre offers expert tuition
in Motocross and Enduro, with
individual experience days and
taster days incorporating both of
the above disciplines (plus a Trials
section) available. Groups of all ages
and abilities are catered for and all
have the chance to ride Honda’s full
range of off-road bikes, including
the CRF250R and CRF450X and
CRF250L. What’s more, because
the centre is situated on private land,
there’s no need to have a motorcycle
license to ride!
Dave Thorpe says, “We are really
excited about this new venture and
with the support of Honda (UK) we
can offer the chance to all types of
people, from all walks of life, to get

MSX125 Monkey Bike

into off-road. The centre will cater
for a range of abilities, whether that
is an expert looking to sharpen up
on their technique or a beginner
interested in trying off-road for the
first time. Honda makes the best offroad bikes in the business and the
beautiful South Wales countryside
is the perfect location to really
put them through their paces, with
expert tuition and instruction on
hand.”
Bookings are already being taken
for February 2013, so book now.
For more information, visit:
www.davethorpehondaoffroad.com
email:
info@davethorpehondaoffroad.com
or call:
07734 943798 / 01884 266443.
You can also register on the
website to become a VIP, receive
the latest deals and be in with the
chance of winning 4 x Maxxis
British Championship tickets to a
round of your choice in 2013!
For further up-to-the-minute news
and inside information, ‘like’
davethorpehondaoffroad on
Facebook.

The MSX125 (“Mini Street X-treme
125”) carries on the tradition of
the original, small-wheeled leisure
motorcycle, defined by Honda in
1963 with the iconic Monkey, and
continued with the Dax and Ape.
Manufactured in Thailand, the
MSX125 is small enough to be
supremely manageable yet has
a fully-fledged feel thanks to
a selection of standard sized
motorcycle parts.
The MSX125 is powered by a
well-proven and efficient 125cc
fuel-injected 4-stroke engine, which
has been refined for even greater
economy and smoother torque and
power delivery, and also features a
four-speed gearbox and clutch.
Complementing the power train
is a compact chassis that features
a sturdy steel frame, inverted front
forks, monoshock rear suspension,
hydraulic disc brakes (front and
rear) and lightweight 12-inch
wheels sporting wide, low profile
tyres.

The MSX125 is due on sale in the
UK in late spring 2013.

Wait for it... wait for it!
Honda is developing a new super
sports motorcycle which will feature
technologies derived from Honda’s
MotoGP machines.
This bike will seek to deliver the
same passion and excitement that
the RC30 (VFR750R) super sports
bike created when first introduced
in 1987.

Watch this space!
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 21

Honda Ron Haslam Race School Returns to Donington Park
The officially supported Honda Ron Haslam Race
School is to return to Donington Park for the start of the
2013 season and will continue to offer riding experience
to riders of all ages and abilities.
After three highly successful years at the prestigious
Silverstone race circuit in Northamptonshire, the Honda
Ron Haslam Race School will return to its former home
of Donington Park in Derbyshire, a circuit with which the
school has great affinity, having run there for 13 years
previously, up until 2009.
After undergoing significant revisions in recent years,
Donington Park is back on the map, once again hosting
high-profile major international motorcycle meetings such
as World Superbikes and British Superbikes. Despite
revisions to the facilities, the track layout has remained
largely unchanged, with the fast and flowing circuit still
considered one of the best motorcycle circuits in the UK,
and the entire world; with sections such as the legendary
Craner Curves, etched into racing memory.
The school will continue to offer expert tuition and ontrack training to the highest standard, with courses that
cater for every level of experience. A new fleet of 2013
machines will grace the school’s new home, with the newfor-2013 CBR600RR, CB500F and CBR500R - alongside
the iconic Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade - all available on
selected course packages.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK)
Motorcycles: “We are delighted that the Honda Ron
Haslam Race School will return to Donington Park after
three prosperous years at Silverstone. We are keen to
offer our customers the chance to ride another of the
country’s most iconic and exciting circuits - aboard Honda
machinery - and are very pleased that the school’s new
home will provide this opportunity perfectly. I would
also just like to thank Silverstone circuit for their fantastic
support over the last few years. It has been a great home
for the school but we just felt like the time was right for
a change.”
The school opening for business from the 10 April 2013
and with courses running right through the summer, up until
9 October. For more information on the type of courses
and dates available, visit www.haslamraceschool.com or
call 01332 883323.

Honda Signs MoU for Market Introduction of Fuel Cell Vehicles
Honda has, along with Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai,
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
organisations from the Nordic Countries, to support the
market introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure between 2014 and
2017, further highlighting Honda’s commitment to fuel cell
electric vehicles as the ultimate zero emission technology.
This collaboration follows an announcement by Honda’s
CEO, Takanobu Ito, of the company’s development of an
all-new fuel cell electric vehicle for Japan, the U.S. and
Europe, to be launched from 2015, which will showcase
further technological advancements and cost reductions.
It comes off the back of a month-long and high profile
Europe Hydrogen Vehicle Road Tour, which toured the
UK with an event at the UK’s first public-access hydrogen
refuelling station based at Honda UK Manufacturing in
Swindon.
Honda has been engaged in fuel cell Research &
Development since the mid 1980s and has been at the
forefront of the industry in both R&D and sales of this
technology. The MoU seeks to generate further dialogue,
accelerating the market introduction of FCEVs.
22 GOLDEN WING

Commenting on Honda’s involvement in this project, Ken
Kier, Executive Vice President, Honda Motor Europe said,
“In 2002 Honda became the world’s first carmaker to
put a fuel cell car on the road with regular customers,
delivering the Honda FCX Clarity to fleet users in the
United States and Japan. We want to continue to lead the
way for fuel cell technology across the world including
Europe. This MoU signifies that commitment.”

If you haven’t taken a look recently please go to www.hoc.org.uk and see what we have to
offer. We try to keep the site up-to-date with news from the Branches and around the world,
Honda press releases, racing reports and anything else that may be of interest.

Branch finder
Those of you who are new to the Club (and old
members too) who haven’t yet got along to your local
Branch, you may be interested in the Branches pages
www.hoc.org.uk/branches
There is a very useful page called Branch Finder which
shows a map of all the Branch locations. Supplied by
Google, there is the facility to get a route from your home
to the meeting place, simply by entering your post code.

membership renewal
Many of you may not be aware that you can
renew your HOC membership. Go to www.
shop.hoc.org.uk and click on renew at the
top of the page.
All money is
handled safely
and securely by
PayPal - but you
don’t need a
PayPal account,
as you can use
your credit or
debit card.
After you
have renewed, have
a look at the shop
where you can buy
Club regalia.

facebook & Twitter
Many members and quite
a few Branches are now on
Facebook. Yes, it’s mostly full of
inane chatter, but you don’t have
to accept everyone as a friend!
The good thing is that it’s a great way of keeping
in touch.
Simply search for ‘Honda Owners Club’ to see
the Club and Branch pages that you can ‘like’.
The HOC is now also on
Twitter #HOCgb (21st century
or what!) However if you don’t
want to be a Twit yourself, but
are on Facebook, search for Hoc
Tweet and become a friend. The HOC’s tweets
are repeated there and you will see them as they
appear.

The web is all very fascinating, however… riding your bike is infinitely
preferable to sitting in front of a computer!
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 23

Wherever you’re
going make
Footman James
your 1st destination
Footman James is one of the leading specialist insurance brokers
for classic vehicle owners, collectors and professionals.
Dedicated to finding our best policy for you and your classic.
Policies include:

mediation
24 GOLDEN WING Footman James is a trading name of Aon UK Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in respect of insurance
WINTER
2012
activities only. Telephone calls may be monitored or recorded for your protection. FP7288.05.12 *subject to eligibility criteria

Kicking Back
Something to Say... Say it Here

club ideas

typeface colour

I’d just like to say I found the AGM yesterday very
interesting and as a fairly new member I have
now gained more understanding of how the Club
operates.
I have some suggestions for the club, which came to
mind after listening to some of the problems the club
is facing.
First, on recruiting new members, I’ve a couple of
suggestions:
1. Could you have some sort of flyer and ask
various bike schools to advertise the club, as
when I done my direct access 5 to 6 years
ago, I cant remember any clubs advertising for
members. This I think would be good idea, as
there are a lot of people doing rider training, but
are not part of the biking world.
2. If someone can introduce a friend to the club, say
within 3 months of signing up, they then receive a
refund of 30% on their membership fee.
3. As a truck driver ,I know there are a lot of drivers
who also ride bikes, I don’t know if you are
aware, but there is a free paper called the Truck
Stop News, which is at most truck stops. It is I
think printed by the Daily Star, so as it is free they
probably rely on advertising only, so it might be
worth costing this to see if you can get additional
members, by placing a advert in the paper.
On advertising in the Golden Wing, I think Erica
said that only 2 insurance companies advertise,
Footman James and Bikesure. Is it not possible to get
more companies to advertise?
Hope these suggestions help and thanks to all of
you for running such a good club, I imagine its a
thankless task sometimes but it is appreciated.
Looking forward to next year where I hope to
become more involved.
Steve Miller, by email

Got my first copy of the HOC magazine (Autumn
2012) this week, and it looks packed with lots of
useful and entertaining content.
The problem is that I am struggling to read the text,
which is quite small- no problems with that per se,
but the font colour seems to be grey or a shade like
that, and I’m struggling with that lack of standout
from the page. It my be in black but the font may
be the culprit in being quite thin looking. Either way
I am struggling, which is taking the pleasure out of
reading it.if you look at page 27, some of the text
in the first column and leading to the second column
is nicely dark and is easily readable.
Am I alone in finding this hard to read?
Martin Clowes, by e-mail

Membership No. 32456

Thanks for your thoughts Steve, no-one has a
monopoly on good ideas so it’s always good
to hear from a member. I will pass on your
suggestions. Glad you found the AGM interesting.

Membership No.33128

I’m sorry if this is spoiling your enjoyment of
the magazine. Does anyone else have a similar
problem? Please let me know - contact details at
the bottom of the page.

Credit where it’s due
I have been working on my Pan, getting her ready
for the 2013 season. There’s lots to be done to
bring her up to scratch!
One of the main items was the rear shock, which
after 70,000 miles was knackered. After lots of
swearing the bottom bolt finally came out - it was
well and truly chewed by then.
Being a Sunday and wanting to take the bike
out the next Friday, I looked for my nearest dealer
open that day. Grantham Honda answered the
phone and explaining my dilema, got to work. They
called back when they promised and got me my
part by midweek.
It was refreshing to get proper 5ê customer
service - thanks guys.
Stritchy
Membership No.14808

Please let the Club know of good service that
you receive.

Have your say on any subject
e-mail to letters@hoc.org.uk or write to 38 Bower Street, Bedford MK40 3RE
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 25

It’s all a load
of Baltics pt2
by Mike

Jeffs

I have known Robin for many years and we are both members of another bike club (the MZ
Riders Club). He is also a very experienced continental tourer. We started planning this trip
many months ago and originally it was to be a jaunt to Norway to meet up with an old friend
of mine. However it turned out that this friend would not be at home when we planned to get
there so the trip evolved, as plans do. Quite early on we set 3 objectives for the trip. 1 ride
across the bridge over the Baltic that joins Denmark with Sweden, 2 visit Tallinn in Estonia and
3 visit Peenemunde the WW2 German rocket research base. Only the ferry out to Holland
and back again were fixed dates. The bikes used were, Robin, BMW F800GS and me, Honda
Deauville NT700VA

Day 7 - near Turku to Campsite
Aleksandri Kulalistemja, Pämu,
Estonia
We were up early, again. We were
heading for Helsinki and the ferry to Tallinn.
We would like to have seen more of
Finland but the stay on Kökar put pay to
that but the stay was worth it. We headed
for the nearest petrol station which had a
card payment machine to control the petrol
pump. This was when we found out that our
cards weren’t acceptable in the automatic
pumps so we had to find a petrol station
that was open so that we could pay at the
till. We used the same cards and they were
acceptable in shop.
26 GOLDEN WING

We took the motorway to make best time
and I used the satnav to guide us into the
ferry terminal. As we arrived there was a
queue already forming for the next crossing.
The booth opened and I made enquiries as
to whether we could pay there and board
the ferry. We could, so we saddled up and
rode to the booth and paid our money and
showed our passports, etc..
The ferry arrived shortly after and we
were boarded within the hour. There were
loads of bikes on the boat and we got
chatting to some of the guys. Turns out they
were a load of taxi drivers from a bit further
north who all rode bikes and were off to
Estonia for a long weekend away.
WINTER 2012

The crossing was something like 4 hours.
The boat was not only a ferry but had an
entertainment deck like a cruise ship. As it
crossed from one country to another it also
had a large duty free section.
On arriving at Tallinn I was one of the
first off and got through the port gates and
pulled over to wait for Robin. All the other
bikes went past but no sign of the BMW.
I eventually spotted him pushing the bike.
Even though I had seen it start it had stalled
at one point and refused to start again. The
battery was completely flat.
Robin’s turn to call for breakdown
assistance. His call didn’t go a smooth
as mine and the result was we spent
the afternoon sat in glorious sunshine
slowly baking in the Tallinn sunshine. Not
something we had planned. So the only
photo I have of Tallinn is a shot of the bikes
parked in front of the ferry port gates.
Objective 2 had been obtained but not
the way we would have liked.
The breakdown truck eventually arrived
and the BMW was loaded on to it. We
made our way across town to the BMW
dealer who diagnosed a collapsed battery.
They said that they could get one either
the next day or the day after. No good
to us as we were now behind time. Robin
persuaded them to let him have the battery
off the demonstrator and he would pay for
a new battery for that. Deal done. It was
now gone 6pm.
We headed out of town and south
looking for a campsite. Very few and far
between in Estonia. Eventually we stopped

Aleksandri Kulalistemja pub
WINTER 2012

and I did a search of the satnav database
and located several possibilities. The first
place didn’t exist but about half a mile
away was another. This turned out to be
a pub with chalets and some green areas
for tents. It was also the destination of all
those bikes we saw on the ferry. After
arranging camping and then seeing the
area allocated we elected to rent a cabin
for the night expecting it to be a very noisy
and boisterous evening.
After showering and changing we
headed for the bar to get a meal. It was
a great place and was obviously a biker’s
bar. I think the giveaway was the Royal
Enfield Bullet on display in the middle of the
floor and all the bike related decorations
around the place. We had a very good
meal at a very good price and retired
reasonably early. The riotous behaviour we
were expecting didn’t materialise and it was
exceptionally quiet all night and so we had
a comfortable night’s sleep.

Royal Enfield in on display in the pub

Day 8 - Campsite Aleksandri
Kulalistemja to somewhere near to
Olecko, Poland
We were up at 4am and were on the
road by 5am, heading south to Latvia and
Lithuania. Near each border crossing the
roads were not very good and for mile
after mile there were “tram tracks” where
all the lorries had been running in the same
groove.
We headed for Riga in Latvia and had
intended taking a look at the old town but
the signage off the main road was not good
and we missed it. Never mind, next time.
GOLDEN WING 27

Day 9 - somewhere near to Olecko
to Leba, Poland

Leaving Estonia

Welcome to Latvia

As there is a little bit of Russia between
Lithuania and Poland and we didn’t have
any visas and didn’t want to risk trying to
cross the border so we headed for Kaunas
in Lithuania. From there we headed for
Marijampole and then crossed into Poland
heading for Suwalki, where we turned west.
On the way south through Lithuania we
spotted an airfield that had a load of old
MiG fighters on display. We found our
way out to the display and took a load
of photos. The airfield buildings are being
converted into a hotel.
In Poland we turned our attentions to
finding a campsite. We spotted a sign and
followed it down a side road. We ended
up on a cobbled road that then ran into a
gravel road and then back to tarmac. We
eventually found the hotel that was offering
camping. June is at the very start of the
holiday season in Poland so the hotel was
not really ready to receive campers but
they allowed us to pitch our tents on the
children’s play area, which turned out to
be rather pleasant. Later in the evening the
local tractor was employed to cut the 2 foot
high grass that covered the camping field.
We were entertained by a Stork following
the tractor looking for food.
28 GOLDEN WING

Up early again for the haul to Leba. Leba
is a coastal holiday resort, probably the
equivalent to Barry Island or Scarborough.
We were going to meet up with members
of the Polish MZ Club as they were having
a bit of a rally there.
First off we headed for Gdansk along
some really nice biking roads. Only as we
got to Gdansk did the traffic get heavy.
The motorway took us through the middle
of the city and out to the suburbs. The
weather was very hot and we baked whilst
we negotiated the myriad of traffic lights.
At one point the traffic came to a complete
standstill in the inside lane as a couple of
motorists had an altercation. I thought the
guy in front had just stopped in the road
because he had spotted a pretty girl. After
what appeared to be hours we eventually
arrived at the campsite in Leba but failed
to find any MZ Club members there. After
pitching the tents Robin made a phone call
to the Chairman of the UK MZ Club and
was told that the guys we were looking for
were camped on a site just up the road. We
decided to walk there and find them. This
we did and then spent a pleasant couple
of hours having food in a local restaurant
with them.
After eating, Robin and I explored the
town looking for a tacky sticker along the
lines of “I’ve been to Leba”. However the
Poles don’t know what stickers are so we
failed in that particular mission.
Back at the campsite the MZ guys paid
us a visit to check the bikes over.

The Polish town of Leba
WINTER 2012

Day 10 - Leba to Waren, near
Neubrandenburg, Germany

Day 11 - Waren to Sint Maartenszee,
Holland

Today we were heading for Peenemunde
so we more or less followed the coast. We
crossed the ship canal at Pomorska (which
was free) and headed into Germany. This is
the former East Germany and the town we
went through had a sort of wild west frontier
town feel about it. There were cobbled
streets as well.

As it is difficult to cross Europe from West
to East without going miles out of your way
we decided that apart from first thing in the
morning we would use the motorways. The
route took us toward Hamburg and then
to Bremen. From there to Oldenburg and
Groningen. When we were near Hamburg
we passed through a terrific thunder storm
and we saw some mighty lightening flashes.
We crossed the Ajsluitdijk and headed
back to the site where we started.
My satnav was having a bit of a fit as
a lot of the roads were newer than the
database and so we found ourselves, not
for the first time, apparently going across
fields. Moral, don’t trust your satnav.
A walk down the road after tea to a little
café for an ice cream set us up for the night.

Doodle bug at Peenemunde

We arrived at Peenemunde early
afternoon. The visitor centre was very
interesting. To think that without the work that
went on here during the war we may never
have sent men to the moon when we did as
this was the birthplace of modern rocketry.
We would have liked to have spent more
time in the museum but we still had a way to
go before setting up camp again.
Objective 3 had now been achieved.
On the bikes again and we headed south
toward Neubrandenburg. There were loads
of Trabants running about the place and I
spotted about half a dozen or so parked in
a field next to a garage. All painted up in
bright colours. Apparently there is quite a
market for these old communist era vehicles.
The campsite at Waren was next to a big
lake and was very pleasant. As payment
for showers was via a credit card type card
we made use of them and then went and
paid our fees before the office closed for
the night as we would be off site before they
opened again in the morning.

Day 12 - Sint Maartenszee to home
The ferry was not leaving until 2:30pm
so we had a leisurely breakfast and dried
all the dew off the tents before packing
everything away.
It was mainly motorway down to the ferry
terminal so I led using the satnav to guide
us in. This was OK but we ended up at the
freight terminal rather than the car terminal.
Luckily Robin knew the way having been
here several times before. We topped up
the petrol tanks as we didn’t want to stop
too early once we got off the ferry.
We were in plenty of time for this one
and boarded with ease. Had a pleasant,
if expensive, meal on board and settled
down to try and get a bit of sleep. Not
difficult in my case.
After docking and disembarking it was a
blast down the A120/A12/M25 and M4.
A top up at Reading and home sweet home.
It is after midnight when I crawl into bed. I
am tired and aching but very happy.
Robin, and I have just completed a 3387
mile road trip around the Baltic in 12 days!

My photos can be viewed at
http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j228/mike-jeffs/Baltic%20Tour%20June%202012/?albumview=slideshow
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 29

2012 Silverstone BSB
by Sue

Beck, Northants & MK Branch Secretary

The weekend of 28th to 30th September saw the British Superbikes return to Silverstone.
In excess of 50 tickets were sold to HOC members. The weather forecast chilly but dry.
Someone had a bright idea that camping would
be fun! Friday 28th a large group met up and
descended on Silverstone, first on the agenda was
erect the tents on the Dadford Road Campsite.
High winds made this a tad difficult but the gang
erecting (all being a few screws loose) soon turned
this into a fun thing to do. Tents erected, hot drinks
consumed then over to the track for more erections.
With our usual military precision everything was
soon done and dusted. An hour or so spent
watching some practise laps then 10 of us back
to our weekend homes for some nice hot Chilli,
thanks Kelly. One or four beers and some friendly
banter rounded off Friday night. Into our tents, by
heck it was cold that night, I was so glad I had my
onesie on.
Saturday morning at Sparrow fart o’clock we
was up, breakfasted and ready to the onslaught.
The lads had already gone over to the track for
briefing for the parade laps. By the time us ladies
got to the track we found more members already
waiting for us. A steady stream of bikers turned
up during the next hour or so. Our stand looked
amazing with so many bikes parked either side of
the Gazebos. We had an excellent spot on the
upper APM overlooking Wellington Straight.

We had a steady stream of visitors, some old
friends, some new friends. Several of the team
“had a go” with Craig Jones.

Dan had a go...

Dave had a go...

We had a great spot
and Paul had a go on his own bike

30 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

More time on the stand doing what we do then
it was time for the Parade laps.
A large collection of bikes wait in the holding
area then the gates open and off they go. For a
few it was like old times but for the majority it was
their first time on a race track. From the huge smiles
they all seemed to enjoy this.

Kelly and Sharon learning

Dan and Whitey on track

Vic and Pam Winging their way round

Paul and Garry on track

During the course of the afternoon Kelly and
Sharon had a go on the 1st ride scooters.

We signed up new members, watched some
bikes bombing round the track and had a laugh.
Home time, Chicken Stew with Dumplings, more
drinkies, tons of giggles then sleep time.

Happy campers

Up early again Sunday and over to the track,
more bikes there today. Chatting to potential
new members, chatting to old time members, in
general doing what we do best. At lunchtime the
campers went back to disassemble the tents. Then
back over to Silverstone for the rest of the day. The
usual gang, again with military precision packed
everything away. My car was loaded up, the back
end looked a little low, only a Honda could carry
all that weight and off we went homewards. Many
thanks go to Minty and Dennis for riding home with
Dan and Kelly for following me to make sure I got
home safe and also for Minty and Dennis helping
Dan pack everything away in the garage.

Will we do it again?
You bet your ass we will!

WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 31

Serious Injury Claims
I helped to set up Barratts Motorcycle Solicitors in 2008 so that I could provide the best possible
claims service to bikers who had been injured in accidents. I chose to set up in conjunction with
Barratt Goff & Tomlinson who were already recognised by the guides to the legal profession as
being the top firm in the Midlands for handling major compensation claims; they already had a
national reputation for acting for bikers who had suffered very serious injuries, particularly spinal
cord injury, brain damage, amputation and brachial plexus injuries.
My previous articles in the Golden Wing have concentrated upon
particular legal issues e.g. filtering, and the need to appoint specialist
solicitors rather than just accepting those given to you by your legal
expense insurers (or more likely those who have purchased your
case from legal expense insurers).
This article is a bit different as I have asked my colleague, David
Tomlinson, to talk about serious injury claims.
David Tomlinson writes:
I was one of the founding partners of Barratt Goff
& Tomlinson and we now have a team of seven highly
experienced solicitors, who specialise in personal
injury and clinical negligence claims, particularly those
involving injuries of the utmost severity. Our experience
is recognised by others in the profession and for the
past 21 years we have been recommended as the
top firm carrying out this type of work by the Legal
500 and Chambers Directories (these directories are
not fee paying and are based upon recommendations
made by other lawyers and experts).
What is that we do that is different to other firms?
Well, firstly we fight for the best possible, speedy
settlement. Secondly, we strive to put the client first
and do everything in our power to help rebuild their
lives that have often been devastated by serious, life
changing injuries.
As soon as we are contacted by a potential client
(or more often by their family if the injury is very severe)
32 GOLDEN WING

we feel that it is important to see the client and their
family at the hospital or rehabilitation unit as soon
as possible rather than sit at our desk and ask them
to complete endless forms. Liaison with the client,
their family and the hospital staff is of paramount
importance as our aim is to take an active part in
the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rehabilitation and eventual discharge from
hospital.
Many of our clients spend the first 6 months or
so following their accident in a specialist hospital or
rehabilitation unit. During that time we will work with
the insurers to obtain substantial interim payments to
cover not only our clients loss of earnings, expenses
etc., but substantial funding is required to enable us to
set up a complete regime of care and support ready
for the client once discharge takes place.
We will usually appoint an experienced case
manager and we will work alongside her in making
sure that our client is discharged to specially adapted
accommodation (sometimes alterations to their existing
WINTER 2012

home or often the purchase and adaptation of a
bungalow) and that a full nursing and care regime
is in place and necessary therapies are available to
help the client continue with rehabilitation following
discharge. We also help to put in place the
necessary equipment that the client may need such as
wheelchairs, hoists, physiotherapy equipment and an
appropriate, accessible vehicle.
Once our client is home there will be an initial
period whilst they get used to their new circumstances.
The next phase of the process which involves intensive
therapies and as the client recovers we also look, in
appropriate cases, to help with potential return to
work or study.
During this period many of our clients
are also encouraged to help maximise
their recovery through sport and activities.
Most of our biker clients seem to gravitate
towards motor sports or getting back on
to two wheels (sometimes with special
adaptations to bikes etc.). Many clients
take part in a huge variety of sporting and leisure
activities. We take an active role in helping out some
of the leading charities in the country who specialise
in disability sports.
Some of our clients have progressed to international
level and we have had clients representing the
GB Paralympics team in wheelchair basketball,
wheelchair rugby, equestrian events and swimming.
We are immensely proud of the achievements of
all of our clients but are particularly proud of one of
our clients who managed to obtain gold, silver and
bronze medals in the London 2012 Paralympics.
Once our clients medical condition starts to stabilise
we can plan their likely future and with the help of
various experts it is possible to predict the extra costs
and expenses that will be incurred in order to care
for their needs for the rest of their lives. At that stage

we are able to move towards either a negotiated
settlement of the claim or a trial.
We continue to play a key role in our clients lives
after their cases have settled as are solicitors are
appointed Deputies by the Court of Protection on
behalf of those clients who are not able to manage
their own affairs due to lack of mental capacity after
an accident.
At Barratt Goff & Tomlinson we like to think that we
go the extra mile to help our clients. We recognise
that they have been injured as a result of the fault of
someone else, their lives have been changed forever
and, importantly, they only get one go at claiming
compensation. We like to look after our
clients from day one but we recognise
that many clients and their families are
initially happy to go along with whatever
solicitor has been given to them by their
legal expense insurers or have been
recommended to them by a friend.
Unfortunately, not all solicitors are equal
and cases involving injuries of the utmost severity have
to be handled differently. A lot of our major cases
are transferred to us several months or even several
years after the accident as the client and their family
recognises that their case has not progressed properly
and they have not been given all of the support that
they need in relation to interim payments etc. We are
always happy to try and pick up the pieces and we
will provide a free, initial consultation to anyone who
has been involved in a serious accident and who is
not satisfied with their current solicitors.
All of our clients who have suffered serious injuries,
without exception, would want to turn back the clock.
Unfortunately, that cannot happen but with the right
specialist solicitor involved it is possible to improve
the quality of life of somebody who has been severely
injured beyond all recognition.

As the Accident Legal Advisor for the Honda Owners Club (a biker for 40 years and a
lawyer for over 30 years), I also donate ÂŁ100 to the HOC for each case I take on from the
member, their family or friend that is recommended to me by a HOC member. This is paid
by my firm and not out of the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compensation.
My contact numbers are 0115 931 5167 or 0800 021 3065. These are linked to my
mobile, so I can be contacted out of office hours (subject to not being on the bike!).
My e-mail is legaleagle@hoc.org.uk and website is www.bgtbikersolicitors.co.uk
My advice is given free and you are under no obligation to use my services. You can also ask me a question
on the HOC Forum www.forum.hoc.org.uk in the Legal Advice section.
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 33

34 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

Racing Report
Holidays?

Some of us (sad really) may recall a couple of
years ago the Honda car ad using The Vampires
song ‘Holiday’ as the background and it came to
mind when penning this article.
It is the time of year when we start to think about
where we are going to go during the forthcoming
year and with World Superbikes having again
made the decision that the July round will be held
at the new Moscow Raceway there is yet another
holiday option to consider. Situated 60 miles from
Moscow the Raceway was opened in July 2012
and is the first international racetrack in Russia. A
total of 1,495 miles from Calais, you could travel
through France, Germany, Poland and Belarus,
it would make a fascinating touring holiday with
exciting racing at the end of the outward journey,
cheering our British lads.

If you are keener on the MotoGP racing, and the
Moto 2 and 3 ensure that the whole day is filled
with exciting competition, the calendar has been
increased to 19 races this year (2 to be confirmed
- possibly Argentina and Texas?), again 9 venues
are within biking distance - although Valencia in
November may not be ideal on the bike – unless
you have already done the journey and can prove
otherwise! We also have a great selection of
Brits fighting for points and aiming towards the
Championship at all levels. Will 2013 be Cal
Crutchlow’s year, how will Bradley Smith fare, or
is Dani Pedrosa set to win the crown? On another
note, for those who always put Silverstone in their
calendar, the 2013 Moto GP has been moved to
1st September.

“now is the time for us
racing enthusiasts to plan
our holiday”
Jonathan Rae has confirmed he is staying with
Honda, having spent all his seven professional
years with the Ten Kate Honda team (to be
renamed the Pata Honda team in 2013 - after the
Italian snack company who are sponsoring them - it
will still be run by Ten Kate) and of course in 2013
Jonathan will be joined by Leon Haslam as he
returns to the Honda fold after a three year break.
(piccie of Jonathan Rae and Leon Haslam?)
Of the 14 planned WSB rounds, 9 are within
riding distance with a choice of France, Spain,
Germany, Portugal, Italy, The Netherlands and the
Czech Republic. So maybe now is the time for us
racing enthusiasts to plan our holiday, taking in
some of the further destinations?

WINTER 2012

Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez a great team

Coverage on the television is excellent, in fact
you could spend all day watching the racing,
commentary and chat, but to actually go to the
race, feel the atmosphere, hear the noise and smell
the rubber is irreplaceable!
Good holiday planning!

The Stigette

Racing Correspondent
GOLDEN WING 35

e
d
a
l
B
‘
Flashing

36 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

Guess I’ll continue riding, cleaning and
keeping my CBR900RR-P tidy
Here’s my close to standard, first generation, 1993 CBR900RR-P
FireBlade which I purchased in December 2007. Recorded mileage
is now over 36,000 miles of which I’ve ridden over 10,000 of
those miles.
For a 20 year old motorcycle, it’s still fun to ride. Styling is
definitive of the era it is was made and I don’t think it looks out of
place today.
I had the motorcycle dyno tested in June 2008. Maximum
power was 115.7bhp with a maximum torque of 65.51ft/lb which
compares well to Honda’s claimed figures. Mileage does not
appear to be a great issue with these models with dealers selling
models with over 75,000 recorded miles. I’ve heard reliable stores
of models covering 150,000+ miles.
Rider and passenger seat foam is
much thicker on the early FireBlades.
I have completed an 800+ mile
2 day round trip to Cornwall and
back without problem. The wider
fairing compared to modern sports
bikes, good fuel economy (60+mpg)
/ tank range and thick seat foam
make this FireBlade quite suitable for
long distance travelling.
I’ve completed virtually all routine
servicing requirements myself. The
full 32,000 mile service did not
reveal any problems.
Getting dyno tested

Julian Webb
• Lives in Surrey
• First bike was an ‘old’ XL185S
• I have owned 19 motorcycles
to date. Deciding what
motorcycle number 20 should
be is proving difficult
• Mileage on motorcycles I’ve
bought have varied from 100
miles on a Honda MTX80 to
166,500, yes one hundred
and sixty six thousand on a
BMW K75RS.
• Joined HOC in 2010
• Membership no: 31877

The bike’s the star
Your bike could be featured
in Golden Wing

If your bike is over 10 years old and you are proud of it, just send me
a short write-up and some pictures and it will be in the next available
Golden Wing for everyone to admire.
Please send your text and pictures to

editor@hoc.org.uk
It doesn’t matter what Honda it is, it just has to be loved (or hated) by you!

WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 37

Classic Corner
We have seen the Honda motorcycles that made the ‘Bench Marks’ of the Honda range.
The CB750 Four which proved to be a machine that concurred the world in 1969. Then
the Double Over Head Cam CB750F and CB900F in the mid seventies. The CB900F was
enlarged to 1100cc giving us the CB1100F. This machine gave Ron Haslam and Honda Britain
the Superbike Championships. Honda then seemed to slow down with a new model range.
I thought at the time that Honda seemed to be spreading their wings by improving and
increasing the car market range. The other Japanese manufacturers were producing new
models to improve their ranges and take owners away from Honda.
Then, in 1991, the new ‘Fireblade’ arrived
to out perform every other motorcycle from the
wheels up. The concept of having large heavy
performance machines was gone forever. The new
concept gave you a smaller, lighter, more powerful
bike with far better handling and braking than
any other motorcycle available at the time. So
the ‘Fireblade’ made the same impact as the
CB750 had in 1969.

“In 1991 the
‘Fireblade’ arrived,
out performing
every other
motorcycle”

The 1996 918cc was a stunner
38 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

The 1992 893cc Fireblade

To achieve the ultimate riding experience and
allow the rider to be in total control. Everything
needed to be designed and tested to it’s limits.
Then changed and redesigned and tested again.
Everything needed to be designed to give pure
perfection to the riders responses. This machine
needed to respond to the riders every need. Giving
an instant response to the performance challenge
of the open road. This was the ambition that meant
a return to basics, and to produce a new set of
design ideals. The resulting CBR900RR was a bold
and light weight performance machine.

from the progressive super sport performance. The
Fireblade fulfils all these requirements with powerful
determination. The CBR900RR has the power to
weight ratio that leaves all the competition standing.
The all new engine has D.O.H.C, 16 valve in four
cylinder four stroke. It is water cooled with a bore
and stroke of 70mm x 58mm giving a displacement
893cc. Producing 124bhp of usable power at
it’s best. Newly designed straight induction ports
on the induction system increase the response of
better usable power. Combined with new slanted
carburettors and oversize 7.2 air cleaners. Which
result in the rider receiving maximum power output
and an eagerness to respond to your command.
Engine
and
handling

have
always
been
superb

The 2002 954cc Fireblade

The main frame is made from light alloy injected
moulding. Weighing in at just 10.5kg. The seat sub
frame, swinging arm, front forks and muffler were
all made from aluminium. Weight saving on every
component without losing any strength, including
the engine and fairing etc giving the machine a
total weight of 185kg. Which is lighter than any
machine sold by anyone else in the same class.
Never before had a high performance
motorcycle, had such manoeuvrability combined
with such an exhilarating response. The objective
was to achieve the optimum balance between
straight line speed, cornering and braking. A
very difficult combination if you don’t want to
sacrifice the breath taking excitement available
WINTER 2012

Considerable time was used to produce and
perfect the front forks to give outstanding stability
and performance. Made in aluminium to keep
the weight down the extruded bottom case sliders
guaranties great strength and rigidity. The rear
swinging arm is a light weight ‘Yagura’ cross
braised design. Fitted with Honda’s unique Pro-Link
rear suspension system. Add the state of the art
Civ-111 valve system and dampers each having
a separate reservoir tank. Having the CBR900RR
respond to your every command. Honda gave
the tyre specification to manufacturers and it was
Bridgestone that produced the ‘Battlax’ Tyres
specifically for the Fireblade. These tyres have the
same compound as those used as racing slicks,
giving stable grip and traction which is demanded
by the Fireblade and it’s rider.
So the Blade has cut a path for everyone to
follow and at the time there was not a machine that
would compare with the phenomenal performance
that put it on top of the premier league.
GOLDEN WING 39

Enjoy your Classic ride

We all hope that we nave not changed over the years, but this young
lady has matured to remain on top. She has lost weight, become smaller
with increased engine size and performance. So you must remember never
to cross swords with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Flrebladeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as she will always win.

donations from the public to survive. The volunteers
also get no payment for their time or costs.

▪ They save the NHS thousands of pounds every year,
allowing that money to be used where it is needed
most - the patients.

▪ They are on-call from 7pm to 8am weekdays and 24
hour cover at weekends and bank holidays.

▪ The volunteers are fully trained to the highest

standards to ensure the safety of both rider and
consignment.

▪ Without NABB members, hospitals

would have to pay for a taxi or courier,
or even take an ambulance out of
service for 3-4 hours!

www.bloodbikes.org.uk
This is why the Honda Owners
Club is raising money for the
NABB until 31st July 2013 please give generously!

WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 43

Honda Owners Club

Christmas Dinner Dance
by

A

Ian (Worzel) Wright, Reading Branch

fter weeks of eagerly awaiting, the
weekend of the HOC Christmas Party
being held this year at Sedgebrook Hall
just north of Northampton finally arrived. Jennie
Clarke had stepped up to the fore, taking on the
whole organising and what a weekend was in
store for us all...
Members from all over the country started to
arrive from mid afternoon on the Friday, with
Steve & Hazel Bevell From the Rabble branch
being some of the first to arrive, being found
in the bar area sampling the drinks! All through
the afternoon more and more members arrived,
with the lounge area by the bar becoming the
gathering place of friends old, and also new.
One member did have his own mini adventure
finding his way to the hotel using his sat nav on
route from collecting Vicky from the train station
in Northampton centre, apparently the woman
inside the sat nav decided not to speak to him

44 GOLDEN WING

anymore, going totally quiet. Of course, when
the member made contact via mobile to the
hotel, we all in the normal course of the HOC,
were as helpful as always by shouting out a
fair bit of â&#x20AC;&#x153;guidance and instructionsâ&#x20AC;? to Bryan,
who was now becoming very quickly known as
TomTom Flynn. Oddly enough, he went as quiet
on his phone as his sat nav had to him, whilst
everyone at the hotel was virtually crying with
laughter.
Friday evening was an informal get together,
with a buffet meal, with us having our own room
and bar, away from other hotel guests - they
must have heard about us - with folks all intermingling between the various branches. The
buffet was laid and what a surprise, we were
all just expecting the usual sausage on sticks etc,
but were treated to a wonderful hot buffet, with
rice, jacket potatoes, trout, and loads of other
tasty dishes , all presented beautifully. The well
WINTER 2012

meant banter between the different branches and
members carried on, well after the food had been
finished and people found there way back to the
bar area. Here, pool matches and foosball on a
proper old style table started to take place, with
much laughter and smiling faces being seen.
Saturday saw breakfast in the restaurant, with most of the members
coming down all around the same time, and again the breakfast
buffet was superb, and the banter started again!
Everyone was free to do their own thing durring the
day on Saturday, with some of the blokes being found
following behind their partners in the clothes shops at
Sixfields... Ah we all know who really is the boss!
The hotel had a swimming pool, spa bath and sauna,
of which many people made great use of on Saturday
afternoon, with the Sauna being very very hot, the spa bath
being nice and warm, with the blokes making the usual
mandatory jokes about obviously eating far too many baked
beans for breakfast. The swimming pool was allegedly
heated to 30 degrees, but once in the water, we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
sure if that was fareighnheight or centigrade, but it was a
good excuse to go back into the spa bath.
Saturday evening was the main Christmas meal, everyone
gathering in the bar area, with all of the ladies in lovely
frocks and the blokes all suited and booted. You would never
have believed that it was full of greasy, rough and tough
hairy bikers...
Everyone left the Lounge to make their way outside to the
grand Front doors to the old manor part of the hotel, where
we were treated to a Red Carpet and candle light entrance,
for pre-dinner drinks in the manor house. Here, the ladies had
their photos taken on the grand curved staircase, polishing
the handrail in the process, as some tried to slide down the
staircase... The blokes had their turn next at posing up the
stairs and for once were nearly quite well behaved!
Everyone then made their way to the main function
room, where the tables were all layed out wonderfully
around the dance floor, with the names of each table
being a famous bike racer. Each tables was decorated
with balloons, streamers and crackers, along with a little
box containing, yes, those wonderful long balloons that
once blown up and let go, make that screaming noise flying all

The Honda Owners Club has something very very
special and should be so proud of its friendships
between all of the members and branches
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 45

over the place. Battle was commenced between
the Rabble and Norfolk branch tables. The three
course meal that was served was absolutely
fantastic, being wonderfully served by the staff,
with everyone leaving clear plates.
Once the food was finished, unexpected gift
bags were brought out and given to each and
everyone, and contained a fantastic assortment
of gifts inside, like mini road atlases, bike wash
kits, key straps, and chocs. The look of sheer
delight on everyone’s faces was just amazing.
It was then time for some swaying of the
hips as it was disco time, with some doing
a lot of hip swaying indeed - Angie from the
Reading Rabble certainly gave here new hip
a thorough testing. Some interesting “Dad
Dancing” was also evident too, you know
who ;) One branch had enough of the frocks
and suits, disappearing to return in various
styles of Onesies Pajamas, dragons, cats and
alsorts! The dancing went on until midnight,
where sadly time was called on a marvellous
evening.
Sunday saw the buffet breakfast again,
with most being up bright and breezy. The
staff had the wonderful idea to rearrange the
tables into large ones,so we could all be that bit more together.
The banter started early, with people reminding
each other of the night before fun, helping them
to realise why the were so aching and sore.
After breakfast, some made their ways home,
but 15 big kids walked down the hill to the
Northampton & Lamport Steam Railway, where
we were all booked in on the 11am Santa
Special. In normal British Railways fashion,
the timetable went out of the window very
quickly, with the 11am departure looking more
like an 11.40 one. Jennie and Bryan were
a bit later than everyone else getting to the
station, and arrived just as the carriages were
being shunted out of the station. Worzel just
couldn’t help winding up Jennie she had missed the
train being late and that we’d all had a lovely trip,
and see her at the next do! Poor Jennies face was
a picture, and TomTom Flynn thought is was a great
wind-up, evening the score up a tad!
46 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

The 15 kids all got onto the carriage of the
Steam Train - it became apparent very quickly
that Jennie had never been on a steam train
before got very excited to say the least....
WHOOO WHOOO There was a couple
of families on board with their well behaved
children....and us lot of big un-behaved adults
(word used very lightly), then the railway staff
foolishly gave us all Sherry!!!!!!
After a couple of journeys up and down the
line, with lots of WHOOO WHOOOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when
we went over or under bridges, it was time
to get off the train, when Jennie then asked
if she could pull the Drivers Whistle...... You
can just imagine the comments flying about
over that one! Anyway, the engine driver was
very accommodating and allowed Jennie onto
the footplate of the engine to pull the whistle
- four times,and not short blasts either! Was
probably heard in Northampton centre.
It was a wonderful end to what had
been an amazing weekend of nothing but
sheer enjoyment and so much laughter and
happiness, being with a great bunch of guys
and girls that seems just like one great big
family.

WINTER 2012

Thanks must go to the staff at Sedgefield Hall, who
for the whole weekend, went above and beyond
the call of duty to make our stay at the hotel the
best possible, to Ray and the volunteers at the
Northampton & Lamport Railway, for making
our morning with them being so fun and putting
up with our laughter. And finally, I am sure that
I speak on behalf of all those present, a massive
thanks to Jennie Clarke for all of her hard work
in organising the weekend from start to finish,
putting on a weekend for her fellow HOCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ers that
no one will ever forget. Well done girl!
GOLDEN WING 47

Hi Honda crew!
I’m James ‘Gill’ Gill, the (relatively) new editor of the BMF’s
Motorcycle Rider magazine. Thanks for having us in the pages
of your magazine! 2012 was a busy year for us at the BMF and
2013 looks to continue the pattern.
Safe riding,

Gill

2013 Dates for BMF Shows
Announced
Ticket price reductions and new arenas!
Preparations are now well underway for the 2013
BMF Show season with new innovations, held or
reduced ticket prices and offering even more trade
and club stands. Better value to any motorcyclists
attending any shows.

Motorcycle Rider website launch
www.ridermagazine.co.uk has just launched as
the central resource for lots of activism news, BMF
news and other motorcycle news.

To be launched at the May Show, The Mulberry
Group are introducing two new areas: The Classic
& Vintage area and the Adventure and Overland
Touring area. Bands and arena acts are currently
being booked and will be announced via the
shows website www.thebmfshow.co.uk.
BMF Show Dates
BMF Show - May 17-19
Kelso Bikefest - July 5-7
BMF Tailend - September 13-15
48 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

Type Approval Regulation approved
This is the big news of the moment. The Type Approval
Regulation has been approved by the European Parliament
by a huge majority (643 in favour, 16 against). There’s lots
of ambiguous, confusing misinformation out there, but we
at the BMF aim to break it down into sensible English for
people. So, for all UK motorcyclists this will mean:
• Bikes over 47bhp exempt from EU anti-tampering controls
• Bikes under 125cc exempt from compulsory ABS
(although they will require combined brakes instead)
• No 100bhp limit option for member states
• Compulsory CO2/fuel consumption measurement and
publication
• Standardised On-Board Diagnostics so that any garage
can interpret the fault codes
• Compulsory publication of repair and maintenance
information so that you can have your bike repaired and
serviced anywhere you like
• Bikes will catch up to the emissions standards of cars,
guaranteed for 35,000km

The BMF’s Government Relations Executive, Chris
Hodder said: “Although far from ideal, this legislation
shows exactly why organisations such as the BMF and
FEMA exist. After several years of hard work discussing
with the relevant institutions and putting our views across,
we believe this is the best deal that was available and
we’ve worked solidly to get it. This legislation may have
some things we don’t like in it, but it will have some long
term benefits for motorcyclists, especially in terms of cleaner
bikes that are cheaper to run.”
We will be keeping a wary eye on the delegated acts
which will result from this legislation. It’s not all over yet!

Changes to the licence
affecting new and young riders
The Third European Union Driving
License Directive came into force on
January 19 2013 and one of the effects it
has on UK riders is changes in licensing for
novice riders of all ages.
It’s been a long time coming, but the
latest European Driving License Directive
took effect early in the New Year after
many years of complicated negotiations,
campaigning and lobbying. The BMF has
been right at the heart of this important
issue ever since the beginning and one of
the issues we have focused on is what the
Directive means for novice riders.
The law was previously governed by the
earlier Second Driving License Directive,
also known by the catchy title of 91/439/
EC. This was repealed as of January
19 2013 and the Third Driving License
Directive (or 2006/126/EC) took its place
instead. The biggest difference between
these two Directives is the introduction of
staged access at the European level, and
this will mean that there will be changes at
UK level.
Read the full report and breakdown in
the current issue of Rider magazine - you
can buy a single issue online or join the
BMF to receive your quarterly copy and
help protect riders’ rights.

Who are the BMF?
Almost all of you reading this will be affiliate
members of the BMF through your HOC
membership and many of you will be full members.
But what is the BMF?
We are the UK’s largest riders’ rights organization,
we are a member of many Government advisory
groups, we also represented in Europe. We are
a well-respected and powerful lobby group and
includes a National Rider Training network. And
as you may know, we are also the organisers of
Europe’s largest outdoor motorcycle show ‘The
BMF Show’.

WINTER 2012

So why become a full member?
There are many benefits to becoming a
member, but the most important is to be a
part of the organisation that is fighting for
your rights as a motorcyclist - fighting battles
in government, protecting your right to ride!
As well as that you get a quarterly 76-page
magazine, discounted BMF show tickets in
advance and you also get money off many
services, tours and holidays!
You can join us and read more at:
www.bmf.co.uk/pages/join.php.
GOLDEN WING 49

The HOC has featured recently in Motorcycle Rider, the BMF’s magazine
Affiliated clubs

british motorcyclists federation

PART OF A MOTORCYCLE CLUB?
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET WHEN
YOUR CLUB AFFILIATES WITH
THE BMF:
If you're part of a motorcycle
club that isn't part of the BMF,
you're missing out on a world
of support!
THE BMF: YOUR VOICE
At the BMF, we provide
motorcyclists – no matter what
they ride – a voice through
specialist lobbyists and a
network of volunteers across
the UK. Currently
approximately 350 clubs make
up the bulk of the total
membership of 80,000. This
makes the BMF a powerful
voice in campaigning to
safeguard the rights
of motorcyclists.
INSURANCE
Affiliated clubs enjoy two kinds
of insurance through the BMF,
provided as part
of their affiliation. There
is public liability to protect the
club from claims arising from its
activities affecting members of
the public, and employers’
liability to cover the active
members of the club while
carrying out their duties for the
club. Both of these are
essential if your club organises
rallies, charitable events and
the like. Even with the best
planning sometimes there are
things that go wrong, and
we’re here to help!
A PODIUM
Additionally, at all the BMF
shows, exhibitor space is
available to all affiliate clubs,
free of charge. Here, clubs
can add to the fun of the
event and meet potential new
members.

The clubs also get a say in
BMF affairs. Local clubs, e.g.
clubs with a membership
drawn from a limited area, can
send delegates to the
appropriate Annual Regional
Meeting to discuss regional
issues and vote for the
Regional Chairman and
Councillors. National and OneMake clubs have a separate
forum that elects its own
Chairman and Councillors,
but all club members will be
welcome to participate in their
local BMF activities.
FOR YOUR MEMBERS
And of course, all members
receive affiliate membership
too, which means that they are
entitled to a range of benefits.
As a club, this can be a huge
help if, for example, you want
to arrange a club ride or tour.
Everyone who's part of your
club also gets in on some
superb discounts for travel and
accommodation, not to mention
bike insurance, products and
accessories. It could be the
best thing you do for your club,
so don't miss out. Contact the
membership office on 0116
279 5112.

Join
the club

54 summer 2012 | Motorcycle Rider

50 GOLDEN WING

SOCIAL
MACHINES

ow!
Affiliate n
.uk
co
f.
m
b
rider@

RAISING,
FROM RALLY RIDE-OUTS TO CHARITY FUND GET
ERS
THE HONDA OWNERS CLUB HELPS MEMB
THE MOST OUT OF THEIR MACHINES
The Honda Owners Club (HOC) is run
by the member, for the member and
is open to anyone who owns or has
owned a Honda-powered motorcycle.
A social organisation, the club runs
year-round events including camping
and B&B weekends, day rides, UK and
European holidays, rallies, charity
events, barbecues and parties.
“It’s all about bringing together
people who love biking and have the
get-up-and-go to make the most of
their machines,” explains Graham
Seymour, General Secretary. “The HOC
is a great way to meet other Honda
owners who are only too willing to
share their experiences and
knowledge. And it’s fun… you get to
meet some great people and make
friends from all over the country.”
The club was founded in 1961
by enthusiasts Pete Goodger and
Mike Evans when new Japanese
motorcycles were being imported to
the UK and were slated by the press.
Peter recalls the HOC’s first meeting
in south London with about eight
people, but times have changed; today
the club has a membership of over
2,500 people spread across the UK.
The HOC takes pride in its affiliation

to the BMF, which began over 50
years ago. This year, to show its
support for the work done by the BMF
in the interest of bikers, the HOC is
raising money for the Nationwide
Association of Blood Bikes, a
volunteer organisation that delivers
blood and emergency supplies to
hospitals. One of the members was
recently featured in the Honda minidocumentary, delivering blood on
his ST1300.
2

WINTER 2012

Affiliated clubs

3

A MEMBERSHIP
OF OVER 2,500
PEOPLE SPREAD
ACROSS THE UK

1
1, 4 National Rally 11: pictures of the
ride-outs from the Club's 50th
Anniversary National Rally last year,
held at Billing Aquadrome with over

Show last year.
5 National Rally 11 – fancy dress party:
fantastic party on Saturday night

4

5

You can keep up to date with the
latest Honda news and activities in your
area and find out more about the HOC’s
history at www.hoc.org.uk. You can also
gain access to exclusive regalia and
much more!
Single membership to the HOC costs
£20 while joint membership with a
friend, relative or partner is just £25.
Joining can be done safely through the
HOC’s secure website and gives you
news, offers and half a century of
Honda lovers’ knowledge, experience
and enthusiasm. Members also receive
Golden Wing, the club’s quarterly
magazine, which is always packed
with articles and stories of interest.
With local branches all over the
country there is always something
going on, so join the HOC and get
the most from your Honda. Go to
www.hoc.org.uk to find out more or
join the chat on Facebook, Twitter
(@HOCgb) or the Club Forum at
www.forum.hoc.org.uk.
Contact Stritchy at pro@hoc.org.uk
for more information

>>
summer 2012 | Motorcycle Rider 55

Reproduced by permission of Motorcycle Rider, the BMF magazine

WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 51

Achtung, Baby!
by Donna

Richards, South Wales Branch Secretary

This year, the South Wales Branch holiday
was organised by Terry and Lyn and what
an excellent job they made of it. Four bikes
and 4 couples set off to bike through France,
Belgium and Luxembourg to Germany.
Before we left, Terry provided us all with
information about where we were going,
suggested routes for rideouts when we were
there and all the documents we would need.
He and Lyn had obviously put in a lot of time
and effort on this project.
On the first day, we set off down to the Channel
Tunnel and crossed to Calais. For a change, this
year, instead of staying in one of the chain of hotels
near Cité Europe, we stayed in a friendly typically
French hotel in the middle of Calais. It had loads
of character and although it looked a bit dodgy on
the outside, the inside was clean and welcoming.
There were signs everywhere, telling us that it was
under refurbishment. It looked a bit tired in places. I
think the refurb had been going on a long time, but
I loved the typical Frenchness (if that’s a word) of it.
Some of the ensuites had lovely Victorian style roll
top baths, but they must have been about 3 feet 6
inches tall. I had a heck of a struggle getting in and
poor Ann, who is only small, couldn’t get out. We
had an image of her scrambling to get out, like a
spider trapped in there!
52 GOLDEN WING

A little bit of a mishap in Calais, when Steve’s
bike fell over in the carpark of the hotel. Luckily, noone was hurt and there were only a few scratches
on the bike. It’ll take quite a bit of polishing when
he gets home.

“I’m ready for my close-up”

From Calais, we went down to Haybes, a very
pretty little town on the banks of the river Meuse.
It was another typically French hotel and was
delightful. We had a lovely meal and passed a
pleasant evening.
The next day we left for Emmelshausen. We
travelled on through Belgium, but seemed to be
going round in circles in Luxembourg. Eventually,
we stopped and discovered the problem. Terry,
who was leading, had not loaded the Luxembourg
maps onto his SatNav, so it didn’t know where to
take him. Problem easily solved. Gareth led for the
WINTER 2012

On our second day in Germany, we decided
to get a boat at Boppard and travel at a leisurely
pace to Koblenz. That was our first mistake. The
boat was due in at 12.50, but at 12.48, Lyn and
Ann decided to go to the toilet. Unfortunately, we
saw the boat come in and we watched it leave.
Without us! Never mind, our tickets were good
for the next day and as it turned out, the weather
was fantastic. We managed to have a good laugh
about it later.
So instead of going to Koblenz, we went on a
train journey to Sankt Goar, a little further along the
Rhine. Another pretty little village and I think it’s just
as well we didn’t get to Koblenz that day because
we were all a little too tired to enjoy it fully!

Sleep tight!

When we finally did get to Koblenz the next
day, it was a lovely place, much bigger than
I expected, with a mix of the old and new. The
ride along the river was lovely too, with a variety
of different German castles and vineyards to view
along the way.
The funniest thing of all happened when we got
back to Boppard from Koblenz. We stopped for a
meal and a drink at a very nice hotel right on the
banks of the Rhine. It was lovely. We had timed
it perfectly to get the last mountain train - 22.15
back to Emmelshausen. We went up to the station
on time, the train came in on time, but the guard
wouldn’t let us on, mumbling something in German
that we later understood. The train pulled out and
we waited and waited for it to come back, but it
didn’t. Eventually, the signalmaster stuck his head
out of his office and told us that there were no
more trains. The 22.15 didn’t run on Wednesdays,
only Fridays - oops! We decided to head for the
taxi rank. However, Alun wasn’t going to give up
without a fight. The last thing we heard as we
made our way off the platform was him shouting,
WINTER 2012

‘But I’ve got a return ticket!’ at the signal master.
Highly amusing! We managed to get back in two
taxis so everything turned out OK in the end.
The day after, we got on the bikes and went off
along the Rhine to Rudesheim, a wine making town.
Up the hill from there was a huge monument to the
unification of Germany. There was a wonderful view
of the Rhine and some great photo opportunities.

What a view!

Tina, our landlady had told us about a church
made from rock in the hillside, so we set off to try
and find it. Do you think we could? No chance. At
one point, I caught sight of a sign with a picture of
what could have been a rock church on it, but Terry
hadn’t seen it and we went past. Soon, he stopped
and turned around to come back, but we missed it
again. Eventually, we gave up on the rock church just something to come back for another time.
Finally, it was time to head home and we
stopped off at the same two hotels that we stayed
in on the way there. Very nice. At Calais, on our
last night, we went out for a meal to have a final
chat and a laugh about our exploits. Unfortunately,
Alun had been having a few tummy problems (I
won’t go into too much detail!) and he and Sonya
left the restaurant early, but I think you can see from
the pic that a good time was had by all!

A good time was had by all

Thanks to Terry and Lyn for organising a lovely
holiday. I bet you could do with another one now
that it’s finished.
There’s always the next one to look forward to!
GOLDEN WING 53

Luxembourg part of the journey. We had a good
laugh about it that night.

On the first day, Gareth and I went off to a
market in the woods at Oberwesel, while the others
went down to Boppard and explored. They took in
a ride on the chairlift to the top of the mountain,
where the views were excellent.

The gang at Haybes

When we arrived at Emmelshausen, we had
a very warm welcome from Tina, our landlady at
Kapell-Rinker Guesthouse. She is a bundle of energy
and fun and she made us feel really welcome. That
night, she made us a typical German meal, but no
good for the health conscious or diet conscious. It
had been a long time since I had that much salt in
my food.
The
breakfasts
she provided were
excellent, but there
was so much food. It
was incredible. She
kept complaining that
we didn’t eat enough!
There was a little
railway station at
Tina of Kapell-Rinker
Emmelshausen. From
there, the mountain train would take you down to
Boppard, a pretty little village on the Rhine. The
views from the train were breathtaking.

The view from the top... plus bike!

That night, we went to the ‘Kirmes’ festival, which
is a festival of music and dance. We had a lovely
evening. But the Germans seem to know only one
dance step and they stuck to it all night.

Shall we dance!

Shouldn’t we be on that boat?
54 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

European Virgin
my first ride on the continent
by Chris

Greenland, West Midland Branch

This is a summary of my first bike holiday abroad,
where I travelled to Germany on an organised tour
with my mate Maurice.
The tour was organised by Dave Godson of Excel
Motorcycle Tours. We stayed in Remagen by the Rhine, in
the time there we had ride outs down the Mosel River then
into the Eifel National Park and the N端rburgring, our other
ride out was down the River Rhine with spectacular views
of this great waterway. The tour was well organised and
the other people on the tour were really good company.
The overall mileage was 1500 miles with really good
biking roads in Germany.

55
GOLDEN
WING
WINTER
2012

55
WINTER
GOLDEN
WING 2012

FIM Touring Rallies
by Keith

Freak*, FIM UK Touring Representative

T

he steady increase in riders choosing to take their bike abroad for a holiday can be seen by the
growth in the number of companies offering motorcycle based touring holidays. For many this can be
an easy step in to riding abroad, with travel and hotel arrangements all looked after, easing the linguistic
problems of dealing with those strange folk the other side of the channel.

Another option taken by 100 or more British riders
each year is to take part in one of the FIM touring
rallies. The FIM, the international governing body
of motorcycling franchises two touring rallies every
year, the “FIM Rally” and “Motocamp”, each being
organised in a different country each year. This
allows touring riders from many nations to tour to
a different location each year whilst knowing that
the event will follow a set format when they reach
their destination with FIM representatives overseeing
proceedings.

Modern touring machines may predominate at these
events, but the attitude is very much anything goes;
sports bikes, scooters and even classic bikes from the
‘60s and earlier are all seen regularly. There’s even a
prize for the nation with the best turnout of the older
machines.
In recent years these events have taken riders to
countries as diverse as Germany, Croatia, Spain,
Greece, The Netherlands, Estonia and the Czech
Republic, quite a variety in directions to tour in whilst
also giving the opportunity to visit the cities of Berlin,
Prague, Athens and Tallinn, amongst others.

This year the events are:
FIM Meritum Rendezvous
Braunlingen, Germany 12th - 14th July
The two rallies follow slightly different formats, with
the FIM Rally catering for both campers and those
who prefer to stay in a hotel, whilst the Motocamp,
as the name suggests, is restricted to those who bring
their own tent. Each event normally covers four days
during which period participants stay on or near
the rally site in accommodation arranged by the
organisers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included
in the rally fee as are a programme excursions
and entertainment each evening. Main meals are
normally taken at tables in a large hall, which is
also used for the evening entertainment programme.
Often the organisers will open facilities a day or two
before the event officially starts, allowing riders to
stay on site and explore the area before the rally gets
underway.

On the edge of the Black Forest, East of Freiburg.
The Meritum meeting is only open to holders of the
FIM Meritum certificate; however Meritum holders
are entitled to invite guests!

FIM Rally
Epernay, France 18th - 20th July

(Camping opens on 15th July)
In the champagne country in NE France, just south
of Rheims and not too far from Calais.

FIM Motocamp
Bredebro, Denmark 21st-24th August

(Camping opens on 19th August)
In Southern Jutland, South of Esbjerg and not far
north of the German border.

* I am a “Bureau Member” of the FIM Touring & Leisure Commission (that means I am one of the inner circle of senior members) which amongst
other things oversees the FIM’s programme of touring events. I am also one of only two British holders of an FIM Touring Steward’s Licence (the
other licence holder is Paula but she is not a member of the Commission). A stewards licence is required for those acting as senior officials at
FIM Touring events and also for those acting as National Representatives for those taking part.

The subject of my latest test ride is the Honda CBR250R which has been slotted in Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
Supersport segment between the learner legal CBR125 and the established CBR600R.
The CBR250R is attractively styled, resembling its
larger brothers however its mechanical specification
is more closely linked to its smaller sibling. The
CBR250R is powered by a single cylinder, fuel
injected 249cc engine, which features 4 valves,
liquid cooling and a six speed gearbox. The
chassis comprises a diamond, twin spar steel frame
with conventional 37mm front forks. Both front and
rear alloy wheels are equipped with hydraulic disc
brakes. The test model was fitted with optional
ABS, which at only ÂŁ150 extra seems a no brainer.

The engine fired up on the button and soon settled
down to a nice smooth tick over. The gearbox was
very positive and the six speeds suitably spaced
with top ideal for cruising. Once out on my usual
test ride route the bike happily cruised at 70mph
on the A3 dual carriageway and had more in
reserve if required. The riding position was very
comfortable, much more upright than the Fireblade
or CBR600RR and combined with the fairing made
cruising stress free. The brakes performed faultlessly
with no signs of fading although the bike was not
ridden that hard.

The CBR250R that I tested

58 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

The C-ABS brakes are well worth the money

Fairing makes cruising easy

It handled very well and
changed direction easily
Even though the bike lacked fully adjustable suspension
it handled very well and changed direction easily. Road
holding on the standard tyres felt good although as the
roads became a little damp towards the end of the ride and
a little more caution was exercised. The mirrors also worked
well, giving a good view of the road behind with minimal
vibration. The CBR250R also features a hugger combined
with the chain guard which should help to keep the rear
end clean. Storage space under the rear set was limited
although Honda optionally offer a U Lock which is suitable
to be stored there alongside the tool kit. The easy to read
dash featured an analogue rev counter and digital speedo
along with the customary warning lights.
The CBR250R would seem to be an ideal bike for
someone who commutes during the week but also likes to
get out on longer rides at the weekend. The 13 litre fuel
tank and excellent economy should offer a useful range
of over 150 miles which, combined with low road fund
licence and reasonably price insurance should make the
CBR250R fairly cheap to run. The 2013 model is available
in three colours, black, white with red and blue flashes and
a Repsol, race replica type scheme.

Thanks to Richard at Tippets Honda, Surbiton,
for the loan of the test bike

WINTER 2012

Combined Hugger and Chain Guard

Tools are stored under pillion seat

The dash is clear and easy to read

GOLDEN WING 59

Could personal breathalysers be
made compulsory in the UK?
by Stuart

Hardy, MotorTrades.co.uk

Online motoring resource Motortrades.
co.uk have revealed increasing support for
the UK to replicate France by introducing
compulsory self-breathalyser tests, a new
survey has revealed.
Earlier this year, our mainland neighbours made
it compulsory for every driver to carry a minimum
of two personal breathalyser kits in their cars - even
if they never consume alcohol. The theory behind
the move is that if a driver has consumed alcohol,
they can make sure they are not over the legal
limit before starting the engine. Those who are
discovered not carrying the kits with them while
driving face a small fine. French officials hope that
the 4,000 road deaths of last year will be reduced
to below 3,000 this.

There is NO safe limit when driving with alcohol

Back in Blighty pro self-testing campaigners argue
that if the same simple system were introduced
here it too could save hundreds of lives. In fact
Motortrades own research revealed that nine out
of ten councillors would be in favour of the idea.
But Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
(RoSPA) Head of Road Safety Kevin Clinton differs:
“We don’t think it would be a good idea because
we’re not convinced that these kits are useful. Our
main concern is that they may encourage some
drivers to try to drink up to the limit and drive
instead of avoiding drinking at all, when they know
they’re going to be driving.”
60 GOLDEN
WING
AUTUMN
2012

Mr. Clinton continued “We don’t think they
would help people to avoid drink driving because
there’s a danger it would have the opposite effect.
We’re also not convinced about how reliable or
accurate the readings are. I certainly wouldn’t want
to risk my driving license on a three quid blow-in-the
bag device.”
While disposable breathalyser tests are very
cheap, they can also be inaccurate and pale
in comparison with those used by police forces.
Ultimately, there is no safe limit when driving with
alcohol in the system.
Mr Clinton described how if personal
breathalysers were made compulsory, he feared
that police resources dedicated to tackling drink
driving directly could be diverted and instead used
on making sure drivers have these kits - resulting in
a waste of time, money and lives.
RoSPA might support the introduction of
breathalysers if it can be proven the law works
in France where drunk driving is in fact a larger
problem.
He added: “I’d be surprised if it had anything
like that effect but I suspect it would also take
much longer than a year to be sure about what is
happening and why. At the moment we don’t think
there’s any evidence to suggest that these kits are
a good way of preventing drinking and driving.”
THREE POSSIBLE STEPS TO TACKLE
DRINK DRIVING IN THE UK
Step One

Reduce drink-driving limit to 50mg
of alcohol in 100ml of blood which
is the same as Europe - 30mg less
than the current limit in the UK
Step Two Give police powers to carry out
random breath tests
Step Three Increase levels of education and
publicity about drink-driving
Motortrades.co.uk offers users a wealth of motoring
related information and contacts including new
and used vehicles, vehicle servicing, crash repair,
customisation, legal services and much more.

60
WINTER
GOLDEN
WING 2012

EXHILARATING BIKES
SENSATIONAL OFFER
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Well, two out of three ain’t bad.

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Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire
SL3 8QY. Promoter: Honda (UK) Motorcycles, 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY.

WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 61

Remembrance Sunday
at Duxford
by

Garry (Goldy) Goldingay, Northants & MK Branch

Lots of Branches got together

It was a very cold and frosty morning that
greeted the HOC’ers, but nothing was
going to dampen the enthusiasm shown for
the ride-out to Duxford on Remembrance
Day, we rode to Overstone Manor ‘rather
gingerly’ especially on the shaded parts of
the road to meet up with our fellow branch
members, most of us looking like ‘mascots’
for a Michelin Tyres get together, and of
course Sharon (the mad one) wearing the
largest poppy which she could find on the
back of her flezzy.

Northants meeting at Overstone Manor
62 GOLDEN WING

After fingers and toes were reasonably thawed
out we rode to Thrapston services to meet up with
several others who had been patiently waiting for
our arrival, we were late, which meant we were
going to be pushed to arrive at Duxford in time for
the photo shoot. We pushed on hard and fast as
the weather brightened and the sun shone through,
it was turning out to be a rather cool but glorious
day for the ride.
When we arrived I received a few
comments on our speed from those
at the back (I was run leader on my
flag flying 900 Bol
D’Or) but luckily I
may have got away
with it as I explained
that I may have got
slightly mixed up
due to the cold
as my speedo’s in
kilometers…
cough cough.
WINTER 2012

There were hundreds of bikes

The cold was soon forgotten

All that was forgotten quickly as a hot drink and
something to eat was definitely on most peoples list
of priorities, with toes and ends of fingers warmed
up we assembled near the runway where “Boom”
a field gun broke through our chatter and echoed
the start of silence, there is something rather
beautiful about silence, it clears the mind and gives
us a chance to think on all those that have lost their
lives serving to ensure the freedom of our Country,
and all too quickly “Boom” that somber silence was
broken.

Afterwards many of us split into various groups
to view the amazing array of machinery exhibited
in the hangers and workshops around Duxford,
you have to say it is one amazing place to visit,
steeped in history of our forefathers struggle to
keep our little island free from tyranny and all too
often a hideous reminder of the huge amount of
lives lost, it is and will remain a very special place
to attend a Remembrance service.

Thumbs up

There’s something for everyone

An opportunity to meet with friends

There’s lots to see and talk about
WINTER 2012

It was also a great boost to moral to see so many
other HOC’ers from various Branches attending
for Remembrance Day, well done to you all, I for
one will remember the day forever, thank you.
GOLDEN WING 63

National
Rally
Sept 2012, Eyemouth, Scotland
by Anita

Radford, Northants & MK Branch

With only one week until the HOCNational
Rally and the weather forecast was looking
good! Thursday arrived, the bike is loaded up
ready for early start Friday morning, awoke to
the patter of rain and the heavens opened. After
120 miles we stopped at Wetherby Services
where we met Jennie Clarke and after a warm
drink and loo break we headed north for the
remainder of the journey.
The rain had stopped and the sun tried to shine
through as we crossed the Scottish border the
sun was big and bright. This glorious weather
lasted the rest of the weekend.
On arrival we were warmly greeted by Ruth and
a band of HOC volunteers, Stritchy was down
with a bug (or too much beer! lol) we were
handed our regalia and info on the activities,
which all looked very good. After a brew
and some homemade cake we set off to our
accommodation.
A weekend of entertainment, good food, lots of
beer and plenty of friendly faces. For Saturday
morning there were a number of ride outs set
up for different styles of riding, I must say the
one we chose was a 120 mile round trip and
the best we have ever been on, no one was
left behind or lost!! We stopped at tour sites on
the way i.e. Holy Island, Lindisfarne , Bamburgh
Castle with fish and chips in Seahouses (yum
yum).
After a brilliant weekend we rode home on
Monday in a pure downpour for 270 miles,
but not to be down hearted - we have already
booked for next years National Rally in Wales.

64 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

Our thanks to all the hardworking staff of the Eyemouth Holiday Park,
the support and help of the Scotland and Northumbria Branches and
most of all, the members - who made it another great rally!
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 65

Bedfordshire

Secretary: Graham Seymour - 01525 633169 or 07973 428772

O

ur AGM passed in November with the present
committee re-elected and a vote passed to
release £100 from branch funds
towards NABB, the national charity
for the year. We will be meeting
over the winter to schedule our runs
list for 2013 which will be posted
in the Spring Edition of the Golden
Wing. It will of course appear
before that on the HOC website
diary page. One firm date that has
been agreed is for the Clappers
Rally, 24th - 27th May 2013 at The
Cross Keys, Pulloxhill, Beds. As her Maj has given
us our bank holiday back, it will be a three night
rally again!
Members from Beds Branch met up with North
London Branch in October for a trip to the secret
nuclear bunker at mxxxxxxxxxxxxa in Essex. Well
worth the visit and nice to mix socially with another
branch.
Our now annual trip to Wales was to Tenby this
year. We met up with members from South Wales
branch on the border who then escorted us into
bandit country on all the best roads. Gareth and
Donna taking us all the way to Tenby and staying
with us overnight at the Hotel for a very sociable
evening. A good weekend of fantastic roads, food
and drink with a few laughs thrown in. What more
can you ask? Well that is apart from the parking!

The hotel car park as advertised over the road
was secure. It was also a derelict/demolition site
which did little to inspire confidence
when we arrived! Having said that
after a few beers we had forgotten
all about the bikes and they were
still there, untouched, in the morning
so no problem!!
We also attended the Memorial
day on November 11th at Duxford.
A cold, frosty start to the day turned
into brilliant sunshine as we met up
with members from numerous other
HOC branches to pay our respects and have a
free look around the museum.
Several of us are attending the HOC Christmas
dinner weekend in Northants, (next week at the
time of writing) and we are looking forward to
that. Combined with a trip to the motorcycle
show that’ll be another weekend of bikes, booze
and breakfasts then! Makes a change from the
normal pole dancing joints… We have taken the
decision this year to have the Branch Christmas
do in January, probably at a local restaurant, so
something to look forward to in the New Year.
Mention of Christmas is my cue to wish everybody
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We
look forward to meeting up with other branches
in 2013.

o what have we been up to?
Well in the usual manner the weather wasn’t kind in the last
part of the biking season - having said that Paul and I did go to
Hunstanton for a ride, the following week we went again joined
by Jim, Anita, Roger and Nina. In the usual manner the children
in us played on the fair, Dodgems and Carousel to be exact. We
spent ages (hours) in the arcade playing on the 2p slot machines
coming out with key rings and toy cars all round. You should
have seen the looks we got from other people when we won
a prize - but who cares! The following week Paul and I joined
Dave Furness for lunch in Morton-in-the-Marsh, it was lovely and
we couldn’t believe we had actually done 3 weekends in a row
on the bike!.
Cambs HOC have held their AGM and all committee member
positions remain the same. We had a good turn out and the
mood was good with lots of ideas put out for next year.
As I was allowed to submit my report late due to the AGM I
will advise that Dave Furness, Paul and myself went to the NEC
Bike Show and the HOC stand was busy and had lots of interest.
We have the National Christmas dinner and our own Christmas
dinner coming up so will report on those next time.
So another year closes - we have lots of ideas for 2013 so
watch this space.
Speak soon and happy New Year.

love Kim xx

• cambridge@hoc.org.uk • www.cambridge.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 67

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68 GOLDEN WING

HOND
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VISIT OUT MOR
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WINTER 2012

Dorset

Secretary: Beverley Ralph - 07757 647272

H

ere in Dorset things have been a little quiet
of late, due to members going on holiday
and work or family commitments. We are a few
weeks away from the Christmas and New Year
celebrations so we aim to plan quite a few events
for next year.
We have a Christmas Meal early December,
so it will be nice to finish the year off with good
food and great company. Looking ahead to next
year I am planning to have speakers, some great
ride-outs that were cancelled due to bad weather
from 2012, so please keep an eye out on the diary
page as they will be posted soon.
We are having a Tenpin Bowling night in the
early part of the New Year so expect some pictures
in the next issue.
We will be having a stand at the 33rd Carole
Nash Classic Bike Show at Shepton Mallet in
February, if anybody would like to come and help
us at the show, even if it is just for a couple of hours
it would be most appreciated, or if you would just
like a cup of tea and a chat, you would be most
welcome, I would love to see you.
Well that is it for the time being so I wish you all
a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
from us down in Dorset.

Bev

SS
STOP PRE

We have moved meeting place to The Bakers Arms,
Dorchester Road, Lychett Minster, Poole BH16 6JF and
now meet on the 1st Friday of the month from 7.30pm.

Please come along and say hello!

• dorset@hoc.org.uk • www.dorset.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 69

East Midlands

Secretary: Rita Woodcock - 01332 515767

World Superbikes
Silverstone 3rd to 5th
Friday 3rd August saw Steve & I meeting up
with Roz and Trevor on the Silverstone Woodlands
Campsite, followed on Saturday morning by Roger
in his Camper van - later re-named the Glamper
Van.
The weather was a mixed bag with showers
interrupting the racing from time to time, and even
when the sun was out, there was a bitter cold wind
blowing through the grandstands, but on the whole
it was a good day’s racing.

What a time to have an off!
Right on the chequered flag!

Dorset Rally

Between the showers the racing was close

And here’s Roger attempting to fend off the cold.

As our numbers gradually dwindled, there was
finally just Steve and I going to the Dorset rally from
our branch. The tent went up in the rain with a bit
of help from one or two other rally goers and we
finally got down to the serious business of getting
over to the pub, where along with the oh so familiar
faces, we met a new member from our area (Mark).

Go on Roger, give us a Smile!

Saturday evening, after we had barbecued and
I had managed to re-decorate the inside of our
tent with Couscous we wandered up to The Petrol
Head Pub where there was a live band playing.
Sunday was full of drama with the weather
turning to thunderstorms with races being curtailed
due to the weather conditions and accidents.

One of the New mixing with
some of the Old... faces that is

There was a warm welcome awaiting us as
usual, even when we won a breakfast pack in the
meat raffle.

As we were still having to attend rallies in the car
it was a bit difficult to join in with the ride-out, but
I hear that it was a good one. More socialising in
the pub on Saturday evening before the packing
up and heading for home on Sunday.

Morecambe 14th to 16th September
When Steve & I arrived at the hotel in
Morecambe, several of the others were already
ensconced in the local pub. There were just 2 more
to wait for and then we’d be off for a meal. Roz
(and her friend Dave) had sent a text to say that
they were leaving hours ago so they should be
here any minute. We waited ages, and after trying
to contact them several times we moved on to the
restaurant, where they eventually joined us.
After breakfast on Saturday, the biker group who
were going to be following the intrepid Thomas
gathered together and set off along the seafront.

It’s a bit of a squeeze, they don’t
make them like they used to

The riders had been quite a lengthy route around
this part of the Lake district including the Hardknott
Pass, which I believe is not for the feint hearted.
As we all prepared to set off for the journey
home the weather did it’s usual trick and down
came the rain, in bucket loads.

Almost ready for the drenching

National Rally

Ready for the Lakeland ride

Les & Di and Steve & I set off in the car as we
were going to meet up with them at Ravenglass.
We made much slower progress due to the amount
of traffic and had to take the most direct route.
Once at Ravenglass and re-united with the bikers,
we boarded the steam train to Dalegarth for Boot.

After what seemed to be an interminable
amount of time we arrived at Eyemouth, the site
was great and there was a warm welcome.
Wristbands donned we set off to The Driftwood
Bar for the evening to avail ourselves of the Buffet
that had been provided and enjoy the evening’s
entertainment.
Saturday was a steady plodding day for us, we
strolled into Eyemouth where we walked around
the harbour and ended up watching people
feeding the seals off the quayside.

• eastmidlands@hoc.org.uk • www.eastmidlands.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 71

Such sad eyes, I wanted to take one home

Of course being the commercially minded folk
that we are, we just had to contribute to the local
economy and call into one of the Harbour pubs to
take in the local atmosphere and try out the local
brew.

Shaun was getting into the spirit of it too

As you can see Shaun was getting some practice
in after previous threats from Dave Andrews.
Back at the camp Shaun and the flock kept
their promise and turned up en mass, taking Dave
Andrews by surprise and catching him unawares.
It worked so well that Dave surrendered to Shaun
and so the battle was won before it had even
started!
And then we settled in and enjoyed the rest of
the evening’s entertainment.
Sheepish celebrations

Rita

• eastmidlands@hoc.org.uk • www.eastmidlands.hoc.org.uk •

Branch Secretaries
The deadline for the next Golden Wing is;

20th February 2013
These pages are your advertising space, to let members who are
local to you know the real benefits of active membership.
Tell them what is happening in your area
72 GOLDEN WING

artin Armstrong of the Eastern Branch has
again won the Chairman’s Challenge. I
hope in future years there is more support for this
event from fellow HOC members. Thanks Andy for
organising it. Not only did he win the Chairman’s
Challenge, he also won the Edelsten trophy for the
best 400 four.
On the same weekend as the HOC National I
attended the Squires Rally at Moniaive in Scotland
with Martin H & Veronika. Good beer, good food
and for a change good weather on the Saturday,
allowing for a pleasant hike over the surrounding
hills.
On the first Saturday in October, Martin and I
took part in the 5th Ride to the Wall (RTTW). The
weather was good, sunny and dry, though not as
hot as last year. This event continues to go from
strength to strength with organisers estimating
around 15,000 took part.

One competitor had ridden his Honda all the
way from London and then took part in the races
before riding home.

Ridden to race, took part, rode home

As the days get shorter and colder, now is the
time to start planning next year’s motorcycling
holidays. For me, this will probably involve taking
part in the 68th FIM Rally which takes place at
Epernay in France from 18th to 20th July 2013 and
the 32nd FIM Motocamp, which for 2013 is to
be held from 21st to 24th August at Bredebro in
Denmark. Please page 56 for more information
about FIM touring events.

John

Martin at the National Arbortetum

Martin and Lorrie joined nearly 30,000 other
visitors at the Classic Mechanics Motorcycle show
at the Stafford County Show ground. This year’s
guest of honour was Graeme Crosby.
On a gloriously sunny Sunday, on the 18th
November, we went to the Sand races at
Mablethorpe.

Martin & Lorrie try out a Pan at the NEC

• eastern@hoc.org.uk • www.eastern.hoc.org.uk •
74 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

Gloucestershire
Secretary: Jo Hearn - 01242 239783 or 07711 271 388

C

all to arms in August. And with the departing of
Vicky after a few years of being secretary the
branch needed to regroup.
With the assistance of Dibble and Graham Seymour
we arranged to meet up in September and see what
support was up and coming for strengthening the
branch. When I stepped down a few years back, I
strongly recommended that the branch should be run
by a group rather than an individual. If any branch is
having despondency in the ranks, then this is the way
forward, even if it means closing down and starting
again. That first meeting saw about 15 of us turn up.
Some old members that had lapsed, as well as some
new faces. A few members even sent apologies. I
suggested that as long as there were a few of us
willing to spread the work load, then we should give
it a go. Five of us stuck our heads above the parapet.
Myself, Nigel Fuller, Jo Hearn, Rob Cater and Darren
Snape. We got together in October and discussed the
way forward with me standing as branch chairman for
the next two years. Nigel as Vice Chairmen, Jo as
Secretary, Rob as ride out co-ordinator and Darren as
event’s organiser.
The next open meeting was set for November at a
pub just outside Gloucester. As we all turned up we
all noticed there was a problem. There were no lights
on at the pub. It has since been established that Sid
had left the building and a new landlord was being
recruited. Advance party headed off to the old meeting
place of six plus years ago. The Twigworth Arms, now
known as the Oakwood attached to the Premier Inn
on the A38. Rob stood guard to bring the late comers
along. Slightly delayed, but the meeting got off to a
good start with 12 or so members attending. We went
through what the proposed committee had plans for
and arranged for the next meeting in December to be
an AGM to formerly vote in the new committee. The
Oakwood came up trumps and offered us an area at
the end of one of the restaurant rooms as a meeting
area. The manager is very keen to get us on board so

we all agreed that we would give them the chance.
Plus it offer breakfasts and coffee available on ride out
days. (I feel the waistband tightening)
Things on the cards are obviously ride outs, Inter
branch events and meet ups, Weekends away and
maybe a European trip, Guest speakers, Charity
events and so on. The first ride out on a stunning winter
Sunday morning saw 10 bikes with 12 people turn
out. Rob Cater did the briefing and we got off to do
the 50 miles
using the drop
off
system
that worked
excellently
to an airfield
just
outside
Stratford
on
Avon for the
obligatory
cuppa and cake
for me, and in
most
peoples
cases
the
sausage bap or sandwich and in one person’s case a
basket of Cheesy chips!
Return to the Oakwood saw a few drop off as we
passed their home towns and seven of us ended up
having a coffee or a cider in my case as the sun
started to drop and the temperature started to drop.
Home to get the VFR scrubbed off, and a good first
ride out of a revitalised branch.
All we now need is the support of all those that sit on
the side lines. I have always said that you get out what
you put in so hopefully the next edition of Golden
Wing will include some editorial from other branch
members. Get in touch and get along and see us on
the first Tuesday of each month.

Ian Nie

• gloucs@hoc.org.uk • www.gloucs.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 75

Kent

Secretary: Mike Gallafent - 01322 400775

W

here has 2012 gone?
Looking back we seem to
have done lots of rides and visited
many places but time seems to
have flashed by, even though the
weather at times was awful many
of us still managed to get out.
Very few (read none) existing
members have contacted me
and as I do not have their email
addresses they do not hear from me
other than through Golden Wing,
and rather sketchily, through our
own web. Come along, please,
get in touch and enjoy rides and
friendship with us thoughout 2013
and beyond.
Our earlier 2012 escapades have
been recorded in previous Golden
Wings so I will not repeat them as
Stritchy wants less words and more
photographs, but carrying on from
the Autumn GW report we held an
imprompto BBQ at Nigel’s place
and raised £250 for our national
charity the NABB/SERV. Thanks
Nigel and to all who managed
to come along, a sterling effort at
short notice.
We attended the ACE Cafe
‘Hornet Swarm’ event and were a
little disappointed in this particular
event, but then moved on to The
London Motorcycle Museum and
we all felt this was a well worthwhile
visit. Recommended to all.
The next week we travelled to
Brooklands Museum and then I
attended the HOC AGM. I again
took advantage of the discounted
entry into the National Motorcycle

Museum. There are so many bikes
on show there is something ‘new’ to
see at each visit. I stopped buying
the brochure as I found I have three
the same and an earlier edition
very similar. They need to upgrade.
We attend the London to Brighton
Veteran Car Run each year but
only two were able to attend this
time. We met at Otford and were
already soaked through, but we
decided to continue. However, just
passed Westerham we decided
to give up. The roads were
treacherous and we were feeling
cold, wet and miserable. How did
those real men and women in their
100 year old open vehicles cope?
Obviously the’re more hardy than
us, but at least we attempted it.
For the second year running
we attended the Chislehurst
Rememberance Service with Royal
British Legion and the Meridian
Harley Owners Group, and other
local groups. We followed this with
a short ride to Paddock Wood due
to my time constraints on the day,
notwithstanding Les M had come
up from New Romney and Mike O
from Ashford. Their ride distances
were three/four times mine, so we
do have real men in the branch! In
all there were seven from Kent who
attended, many thanks to each of
you.
Some of us will be attending the
NEC Motorcycle Live and I hope it
lives up to expectations.
On 7th December we have our
Christmas meal at Tudor Rose,

Sittingbourne and I am pleased
to welcome Bill and Julie from
Suffolk along. Bill and Julie were
instrumental in reforming the Kent
Branch of HOC about five years
ago, so without their imput we
wouldn’t be here. Many thanks to
John and Pauline for agreeing to
put them up, and even their dogs
are invited too. Hope they don’t eat
rabbit!
Our last event of the year will be
a Toy Run to Fairlawn Children’s
Home in Ashford. This will be our
third Christmas attendance there
and I hope it will be as successful
as the previous two. We will follow
this event with our traditional visit to
the Blue & White Cafe along A20.
Finally, the Meridian Harley
Group have invited us to a
Christmas Carol Service at St. Lukes
on Bromley Common, Sunday 23rd
December at 6pm. All are invited.
Be brave and attend by bike and
in bikers gear. The Archdeacon of
Bromley is a Harley rider and is
expected to be there.
My thanks go especially to
Pauline, for maintaining the website,
and to Mike O, John A, Dave O
and Robin H for leading rides and
to all of you who have joined us
on so many occasions during 2012
and before. Long may it continue.
Let me wish you all a Merry
Christmas and a Happy and
prosperous New Year.

Mike

• kent@hoc.org.uk • www.kent.hoc.org.uk •
76 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

Manchester
Secretary: Stephen Davenport - 07968 810435

F

irst of all, many apologies for missing the
deadline for the last magazine. I have no excuse
(actually, I have loads, but I am sure you are not
interested) but hopefully, it won’t happen again.
And, on with the show!
Firstly, I’d like to say “thank you” to everyone who
happened to notice it was my 60th birthday at
the AGM.

Ludlow. 15 bikes and 19 riders. The heavens
opened half way down, but we still enjoyed the
ride. The castle was great and the ride back even
nicer.

Ludlow group pic

Beverley. Another large group of us met up and
wandered over the Yorkshire Moors to Beverley. I’d
just got my new bike with a new sat-nav (which
didn’t work properly) so Malcolm led us there with
very few wrong turnings and got his just reward.

Jennie’s cake

Jennie baked me a lovely cake and I was suitably
embarrassed by the attention. The party the
following weekend also went well.
But you are not here to read about another old
fogey reaching a milestone – you want to know
what we have been up to regarding biking matters.
Well, as it happens, lots and lots. So, a brief
roundup of the rides and then a longer report on
our weekend away.
Over the summer months, in spite of the great
British weather, we managed to get out to loads
of rides. Rather than regurgitate what is already on
our web site (www.manchester.hoc.org.uk), I’ll just
point out some of the highlights.

Malcolm gets his reward

We all ended up having fish & chips at 8pm and
going home in the dark, but it was a great day.
Welsh Slate Mines. A smaller ride but no less
eventful. It started when the leader was accused of
riding like a brick wall (a bit slow) and that started
a mad dash around the countryside. It was all
going so well until Kevins immobiliser cut in going
round a bend and he ended up going straight on.

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the way round). Keith turned up on a brand new
Triumph Explorer which was nice. The roads were
a bit greasy so we didn’t hurry – but the views were
fantastic over the tops. Lunch at Settle and afternoon
tea at Botany Bay (a bit of a disappointment as far
as food was concerned) was followed by a mad
dash home before darkness set in.

Kevin’s Pan in the ditch

The bike stayed upright as you can see but Kevin
got a bit wet as he flew over the top and into the
ditch. He was fine, but the bike needed TLC.
Leyburn. This was another well attended ride.
17 bikers turned up and we set off after filling up.
About 2 miles up the road, one bike came to a
shuddering halt and we all waited for ages until it
was realised that VFRs don’t run too well on diesel.
Oops. Once that was sorted out, we headed for
our food stop at Leyburn station.

Arriving at Leyburn

Here we realised we had lost one of our party but
he was soon found. A nice lunch and a cracking
ride home.
Botany Bay. Our last big ride of the year
was a bimble around the back roads of North
Lancashire ending up at a shopping complex
called Botany Bay (actually only about 15 miles
from the start point in a straight line. We had 10
bikes and 1 pillion turn up for this and set off in
good spirits after a McDonalds breakfast (possibly
a mistake because my stomach was churning all

Tea at Botany Bay

The ride to note was our fantastic long weekend
trip to PortPatrick, attended by 19 people.
It seems that MANHOC likes Scotland. Contrary
to popular speculation, the weather was actually
quite nice so no waterproofs needed. We all met
up at the M61 services which host an excellent
Starbucks (for those who are into those things).
First stop was the Rooster Café at Penrith. A good
place to stop if you like large meals. Which is one
thing that MANHOC members are united on. So,
an hours relaxation in the sunshine seemed to be
compulsory. Once on the move again, we carried
on up the A6, routed around Carlisle and headed
off to Gretna Green where Pete took over the lead
and I ended up as back marker.
Our next stop was to be David Coulthard’s
museum. An interesting place and an interesting
road getting there. It appears that the Scottish
Highways Agency’s method of filling potholes
is to dump a load of chippings in the hole and
surroundings. That’s it. So, it looks OK but as you
ride over it, the bike goes everywhere but where
you intended.
We arrived around 5pm to find that Paul &
Jackie had got there before us. Not sure how that
happened, but it was good to see them. We got
parked up, checked in and, in the great MANHOC

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tradition, headed for the bar. But not the hotel bar
(which was small and crowded) but the one across
the road, which had outside seating. Did I mention
the weather? It was still hot.
Next thing was dinner (OK, tea for the Northern
brigade, but dinner for those with breeding).
Judy had organised it – so we all trooped back
to our hotel where a long table had been set up
for us. Food and drink were consumed and much
merriment had all around. After that, more drinks
and then bedtime
Day 2. Breakfast was great. Lots of choice. But I
wasn’t hungry, so just poached eggs for me. Once
done, we planned our day. Pete had organised a
run around the twisty roads in the locale, but there
were some who didn’t want to do this.

Waiting to go

So, in the event, 12 people went off and 7
(including me) stayed behind to do their own
thing. The ones who set off did so in the morning
drizzle but I gather it all cleared up nicely for them.
Personally, I had a great time walking around
Portpatrick with Gary and Peter. The weather was
a mixture of high sun and the occasional burst of
rain. I got some great photos (another hobby of
mine) and we even enjoyed the views from Peter’s
castle (OK, a ruin that Peter had found earlier)

Peter’s castle

We all met up again at the pub across the road
– and by 7pm were eating. Once again, food and
drink freely available and really nice. Followed by
the obligatory drink and bed.
Day 3 – going home. Breakfast again. We all
staggered down to the morning repast. This time,
I had more to eat. Once done, we all assembled
out and rode in formation to the petrol station.
We did manage to lose some people for a while
(in 7 miles????) but the radios and buddy system
came to the rescue. Once filled up, we split into
two groups – those who needed to get back and
those who wanted a leisurely bimble around the
Scottish roads. I was in the former group and led
the party along the A75 back to Gretna. Now,
when I said “It’s the A75 all the way”, I hadn’t taken
into account the diversion that my sat-nav took me.
But, as it turned out, we found a really nice café in
the middle of a forest. So, an hours stop there (more
tea, more pictures) and we headed back to Penrith
and the Rooster (more food) before the zoom down
the M6 and home.

Alan Sharkey

Eating at Portpatrick

• manchester@hoc.org.uk • www.manchester.hoc.org.uk •
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Manx

Offshore

Secretary: Karen Angela - 01624 629299

J

ust got back from our first quiz night and I believe
a great success! Sixteen of us in all so we will
definitely have another next year. Next month’s
meet will be our Christmas party so I’m sure there
will be more fun and games and if the camera isn’t
put to good use, somebody will have two thick
ears (and we all know who that will be!)
On the technology front, I have finally found
someone to Facetime with! Next step is Skype.
John’s now worried, he thinks I’m getting an
obsession with my iPad!
One of the Dutch guys who stayed with us for the
M.G.P turned out to be a really great guy, totally
immersed in the bike world and a big Norton
man, his collection includes a 1957 Manx, two
Commando’s and several others. He has his own
small bike business in Holland, having passed the
much bigger shop on to his son when he retired!

Whilst he had been to the TT some years ago
he’d never been to the Manx and was completely
blown away by the whole Classic Bike scene here.
We managed to get him and his friend signed
up to marshal, introduced him to the chairman
of the Manx Motorcycle Club (a friend of ours

called Harvey who’s in the BMW club), Tony East,
secretary of the VMCC, who owns the museum in
Kirk Michael, Bill Snelling, well known journalist
and author, and I think the highlight of his stay,
got him Sammy Millers autograph and a photo
with him! I strongly suspect he and his wife (who
happens to ride a Honda) will be back soon, as he
wants to enter The Jurby Festival and ride his Manx
on the track and also do the V.M.C.C. closed
roads parade lap on a Commando.

Whist we were at Jurby, John came across a one
hundred year old Triumph, never been restored,
completely original and sporting a current U.K.
tax disc! We saw it being ridden as well, quite
amazing.
Next spring we have decided to have our first
fund raising outing, a peddalo relay race round
Mooragh Park Lake in Ramsey has been suggested,
I somehow feel it’s going to be a very wet outing,
given the practice we’ve had this year, we should
all be used to this. Unfortunately John & I missed
the steam train workshop trip as we were at the
National Rally in Eyemouth. Congratulations to all

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those involved, we did the Coast & Castle
ride out, beautiful scenery on the way out
and a good blast on the way back with
fish & chips in the middle, who could ask
for more! As it turned out, the only good
day to ride the bikes during our whole trip.
Back to the steam train day out, as the
numbers were limited, our social secretary,
Kim, will be organising another trip in the
spring; as long as its not the weekend
of the Thundersprint cos we’ve already
booked our accommodation. We also
missed the second bowling night and this
time Kim & Ian’s sons went. They didn’t
quite win this time, O.K. they lost, but
everyone had such a laugh, which is after
all why we do these things.
Be safe, be happy, this is M.O.B. signing
off

Karen, John, Kim,
Ian and James

• manx@hoc.org.uk • www.manx.hoc.org.uk •
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Norfolk

Contact: Dave and Sue White - 07731 914284

G

iven our glorious summer here in East Anglia
- must have blinked and missed it - we have
been slightly limited in what we’ve been doing this
last 3 months!! So overall not too much to report but
we have managed the following:

Copdock Show

Just out of Whitby they turned into the town while
Brian and Jenny quickly disappeared into the rain,
gloom and murk. The next day after they had
returned to Norfolk they saw many of the places
they had gone through the day before were
impassible with flooding - such as Morpeth.

As I am not too good at getting up in early hours
of the morning, along with six other members
Roy thought they would go to the Copdock show
on Sunday instead of the Ace cafe run - a few
members also did a run down to the Ace for BSA
Day. As many members who have been to the
show in the past will know that its a good one and
this year was just as good as ever, loads of new
and old bikes on display plus all the club stands,
maybe we should think about one sometime. There
were a lot of demonstrations during the day the
best was the Lings Bolddog display team, heart
in the mouth stuff!!!!!! In all it was a good day the
weather was fine so that helped.

HOC National Rally in Scotland
20-24th September
Was attended by Sue and Dave from the Branch.
The rally itself was just by Berwick on the Scottish/
English border - what a stunning venue. There was
so much to do and so many gorgeous places to
ride to - they went to the Farne Islands by boat
to learn about Grace Darling’s famous rescue of
sailors. Bamburgh and Holy island were awesome
and so historic. The trip down to Eyemouth Harbour
where they were staying was lovely - seeing Eider
Ducks and seals in the heart of the Harbour was
unforgettable. The trip back through the eye of
the storm was one of those rides that when you
have survived it, makes you feel a real sense of
achievement. They were joined by Brian and Jenny
for the run to Whitby - horizontal rain over the
Yorkshire Moors was only 1 of the memories!!!!!

October 7th Breakfast Meeting.
The day for the October breakfast meet opened
with usual Norfolk autumnal weather – cold and
a wet mist which greatly reduced visibility. Nonethe-less 16 hardy souls converged upon Yaxham
Waters café near Dereham for a hearty breakfast.
Of particular note was Lionel who travelled from
Great Yarmouth in the appalling conditions – a
round trip of circa 80 miles - for a coffee! Respect
is due.
The sun started to burn of the mist and by 11.00
you could see the far side of the pond after which
the café is named. This was considered sufficiently
improved to demand a ride along the coast starting
at Hunstanton. A quick scoot around Dereham
then onto Fakenham and Hunstanton. Despite one
or two damp patches the roads were clear, dry,
empty and twisty. Excellent.

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Hunstanton greeted us with clear blue skies and
fantastic visibility; the view across The Wash into
Lincolnshire was very impressive, even revealing
the wind turbines at Skegness. Hot chocolate
and tea thawed out any cold. Back on the bikes
we were off along the coast road in an easterly
direction towards Cromer. Being out of the tourist
season resulted in relatively little traffic enabling
us to enjoy the roads and admire the enchanting
scenery along this stretch of coastline. The sun
threw a fantastic gold cast upon the sea, estuaries
and marshes that really enhanced the colours in a
way only possible during autumn.
A further tea stop at Kelling. Sitting out in the
glorious sunshine whilst filling our faces with heart
attack food was more than we could have imagined
when leaving our respective homes that morning.
An excellent day’s riding and a very enjoyable
extension to the monthly breakfast meeting.

Remembrance Day Rideout, Duxford,
11th November by Roy Wicks
Sunday morning started cold and frosty, but four
members with three bikes met up at Thickthorn
Services for the Duxford Remembrance Day
rideout. We were among the early arrivers but by
the time we had taken off our helmets and stuff
other bikers were pouring in, several of them were
HOC members from other branches. After a little
chat to some of them we made off to the burger
van for a nice hot coffee as we all had cold fingers
and toes. Next to the meeting point between
hangars 2 and 3 for the group photo with the other
HOC branches, about 20+ members turned up.
The photo’s were taken, we had another chat then
it was time to see the gunners fire the gun to signal
the two minutes silence. After that our little group
split up and went for a stroll to the Aerospace
Hangar and had a look around. We then found
some seats for the Remembrance Service which
was very good and at the end wreaths were laid
by different branches of the Services - one was
laid by a 92 year old member of the paras who
fought at Arnhem in Sept 1944. After the service
we visited some more of the hangars then made
our way back to the bikes.

HOC Christmas Dinner and Dance
30th November - 2nd December
Four of us from the Branch attended this fabulous,
fun weekend at the Country Club. It was lovely to
meet up with old friends again and have such a
great time. We went to the NEC Motorbike Show
on the Saturday and popped in to the HOC stand.
The venue was really buzzing and we soon started
parting with our cash - buying all those “very useful”
items that seem to jump out at you.
Meeting John McGuiness was a highlight and
after 4 hours we were entertained and spent out.
The evening dinner and dance were great - a
good meal, everyone dressed to impress as we
were urged to and a fun disco. On the Sunday a
number of us went on a steam train ride - having
a most fun-filled morning!!! I don’t think the station
people will forget us but for the BEST of reasons??
As you can see from the pictures, Norfolk Branch
were DEFINATELY led astray by friends from A N
Other Branch somewhere near Reading!!!!

So all that is left now is to wish everyone in HOC
a VERY merry Christmas and great New Year
and we are looking forwards to seeing you all in
2013. From everyone at Norfolk Branch - have a
wonderful time.

Dave and Sue

• norfolk@hoc.org.uk • www.norfolk.hoc.org.uk •
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North Downs
Secretary: Chris Ward - 07827 393237

H

i everyone. The good weather in the South of
England has allowed us to have an extended
season of rides and events this year and we haven’t
finished yet! On Sunday the 19th August the annual
Capel Music Festival took place in the village and
many Branch members turned up for an afternoon
of music, food and drink.
The Ace Café Brighton Burn Up took place
on Sunday 9th September and once again the
premier event pulled in thousands of bikers. The
HOC gazebo was prominent on Brighton sea
front and manned by Graham Gull, Steve Hill and
several members of the branch. New members
were signed up and regalia sold, so all in a pretty
good day for the HOC.

Relaxing at Whiteways Café

I so enjoyed the recent test ride I carried out on
the new Honda CRF250L that when I saw a clean
used XR250 for sale I couldn’t resist it. Trails here
I come.
Unfortunately Marion and I were the only
Branch members who ventured to Scotland for the
National Rally, but it was worth it and we had a
very enjoyable long weekend north of the border.

The HOC Gazebo at The Brighton Burn Up

The following Sunday 16th September we paid
our second visit of the year to Haslemere Fire
Station, this time for the Ride It Right safety event.
Unfortunately the event wasn’t well attended but
we did manage to talk to a few people about the
HOC. After we had loaded up the car a few of us
rode down to Whiteways Café on Bury Hill near
Arundel for a cuppa to end a busy day.

Steve and Julian at Ride It Right

National Rally Fun

On Sunday 30th September our ride out took
us to Adrenaline Motorcycles at Crawley. The
on-site Jailhouse Café provided a really good
breakfast and we will no doubt re-visit again soon.
After looking at the many older bikes for sale we
moved on to P&H Motorcycles on the other side of
Crawley to look at some new bikes.

The Jailhouse Café at Adrenaline Motorcycles

• northdowns@hoc.org.uk • www.northdowns.hoc.org.uk •
84 GOLDEN WING

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The annual Honda Hornet Swarm at The Ace
Café took place on Sunday the 7th October. Once
again the event was well supported with HOC
members visiting from many branches. Thanks to
Ian from Wiltshire and Steve from West London
who helped man the stand on the day.

On Remembrance Sunday we rode up to The
Imperial War Museum at Duxford for the memorial
service. Although it was very cold when I left home
the weather was fantastic for November and we
had a great day out meeting up with lots of fellow
HOC members and exploring the museum.

Ian, Steve and Glen at the Hornet Swarm

Mustang at Duxford

Sunday 14th October saw us in Brighton again,
this time for the Brightona event. We stopped at
Tiffany’s in Hove for breakfast before riding along
the sea-front to Madeira Drive. The HOC did not
have a presence at this event as the asking price
was prohibitive. We did however have a good
look around at all the bikes and trade stands.
We rode back via Arundel and stopped off at
Whiteways Café for refreshments.
At the AGM in Birmingham it was great to see
Marion receive a ‘Thank You Badge’ from the
HOC in recognition of the work she puts in behind
the scenes. She is always there at the events,
selling membership, regalia and talking about the
HOC to prospective members and doesn’t even
ride a bike anymore.

On Sunday 18th November we met up with
West London Branch and rode down to Portsdown
Hill to visit the Royal Armouries Museum at Fort
Nelson. Once again the weather was fantastic
with hardly a cloud in the sky. Brunch was taken at
Mick’s Monster Burgers on Portsdown Hill, one of
the best fast food outlets in the south. The ride home
soon became cold and dark just to remind us again
it was November.

Portsdown Hill

Don’t forget if you’re passing make sure you
drop in and see us, we meet on the first and third
Thursday of each month at The Crown public house
in Capel Village, Surrey. Until next time, ride safe.

Chris
Marion and Dibble

• northdowns@hoc.org.uk • www.northdowns.hoc.org.uk •
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GOLDEN WING 85

North London

Secretary: Roland Murphy - 07504 104908

Ride Out to Walton On The Naze
Sunday 2nd September
Several of our members took themselves off to
Walton on the Naze this day.
The weather was kind to them and they found a
nice place to have lunch.
Jim came across Paul Barber who lives in Walton
on the Naze.
Everyone knows Paul as Denzil from “Only Fools
And Horses”.
Jim was beside himself for the rest of the day after
meeting Paul. The others had to get in on the act
though and have their picture taken with Paul.
Then followed a lovely ride home.

North London with Denzil

Pease Pottage on the way to Brighton

We then went for a walk along the prom. We
had some lunch at the Fish & Chip place beside
the beach. Very nice it was to. We enjoyed sitting
in the sun having a good old natter.
We then walked back along the prom in the other
direction. We took in all the stalls and listened to a
few songs being played on the stage.
It came for time for us to depart the scene and
head for home.
Again we stopped at Pease Pottage for
refreshment and fuel.
The ride home went very well with people peeling
off where necessary for home.
As you will see in the pictures the weather was
hot and sunny.

Ace Café Brighton Burn Up
9th September
Several of us had a nice run down to Brighton.
John led us down there, stopping off at Pease
Pottage Services for a quick drink.
We got separated as we entered Brighton, but
all managed to meet up along the prom by the
HOC display.
We spoke to Graham and Steve. This must be
the first time that any of us had caught a sight of
Grahams knees. Nice one Graham.

Several of us rode to Harwich today on the Essex
Air Ambulance run.
Once again the show was well attended by
loads of people and the weather stayed dry for
us all day.
Once we arrived at Harwich we got a drink and
listened to the music being played on the stage.
Then came the customary walk around looking at
the bikes. Quite amazing what bikes you see here.
The Essex Air Ambulance (EAA) helicopter
was there on the ground. Then the Essex Police
helicopter flew in and landed beside the EAA
helicopter.
We then moved back to the arena and had
something to eat and drink.
This is always a well attended show.
Another lovely day out on the bike with good
roads, weather and good company.

Weekend ride to Belgium and France
22nd & 23rd September
Several of us set off Saturday lunchtime for a
weekend in Belgium and France.
We had a good journey down to Folkestone and
had lunch in the train terminal before we boarded
the train for France and Belgium.

Outside the Bikers Loft

For the smokers in the group we stopped at the
tobacco shop in Adinkerke, just across the border.
From there we set off to the Bikers Loft just south
of Ostend. After getting our rooms we sampled the
beer in the bar before we had a lovely BBQ, cook
your own meat.
Jim decided to treat us to his pole dance routine,
which impressed the Danes and the Germans
there. We then settled in for the evening drinking
and chatting the time away.
The weather on Saturday, was excellent, dry and
sunny. In the morning we had an all you can eat
breakfast. You had to make it yourself. It was a
lovely breakfast though.
We then set off for France and this is when the
weather changed. On route we stopped to don
the wet gear.

Damage caused by the RAF bombing

We continued our way to the WW2 V1 and
V2 rocket site called “Blockhaus d’ Eperlecques”
near to Watten. On route there we had light rain.
Whilst walking around the site we made use of the
complimentary umbrellas.
This site is quite remarkable. On one hand you
marvel at the scale of the work the Germans put
into building the place and their use of rockets,
then you marvel at the way the RAF pounded the
place to bits. The air raids by the RAF prevented the
Germans from using the place.
Once we had finished looking around we made
our way into St Omer for lunch.
We found a little restaurant in a side street, which
looked quite nice. We were treated to the usual
French treat of having to wait quite a while for our
meals and then to find they cocked up what we
had ordered

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WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 87

Wet wether gear was needed

We rode off towards Boulogne Sur Mer. As we
rode so the rain got heavier and heavier.
When we got to Boulogne we decided not to
stop here for coffee, but to ride on to the terminal at
Calais where we could get something to eat and
drink and dry out a bit
The rest of the journey home was made in heavy
rain. By the time we all got home I think we were all
soaked through. Shame Sunday’s weather wasn’t
like the day before.
But, the weekend away was excellent. By going
for 2 days it meant we didn’t have to get up on
Sunday before the birds did. It is something we will
certainly do again.

Carvery at Horseheath
Sunday 14th October
Today several of us had a great ride around the
country lanes to Horseheath.
We went to the “Old Red Lion” for a carvery
lunch. We came here earlier in the year for the
HOC Roast. Again we were not disappointed.
The food was lovely and plenty of it.
We sat in the garden after lunch having a drink
and a chat. We then set off for home via more
lovely country roads.
The weather stayed dry for us with the odd bit of
sunshine coming out to play.
A great day with good company.

HOC AGM
Sunday 21st October
Several of us took ourselves off to the HOC AGM
at the National Motorcycle Museum between
Birmingham and Coventry. We had a nice ride
up the motorway stopping off on route for a drink.

Upon arriving at the National Motorcycle
Museum we tucked into the free bacon roll and
coffee/tea. Yummy it was too.
We then started the AGM. Very well presented
by the HOC Committee.
We then had a nice lunch before we continued
with the AGM.
Awards were then given out to individuals for their
help in running the HOC in various way.
Graham was quite chuffed (lol, if you know his
background) when he got his award for all the work
his has put in as
Membership
Secretary over
a large number
of years. Well
done Graham
and
all
the
others who got
an award this
day.
And a big well
Graham with the shield
done to all the
other people who do things for the club behind
the scenes.
The day had to come to an end and the ride
home was started.
Another good day out with the gang and it was
very nice to meet up with the people from the other
branches of the HOC.

NLHOC AGM
Thursday 25th October
Well we come to our AGM and no surprises
here; Graham remains the Branch Chairman and
Branch Treasurer and I remain the Branch Secretary
and Events/Run Organiser.
I suspect a bit of a stitch up here by the members.
I did announce some changes for the club in as
much that I want the members to not just suggest
where we can have a run out to, but they must in
turn plan the route and lead it as well.
I have started next years events list and we have
on it loads of vacant Sunday’s which the members
are to choose where we are going on those dates.
We shall see how that turns out.

Alan won the Winston Sim Shield award for work
and assistance given to the NLHOC over the last
year. Alan couldn’t be at the branch to receive the
award due to the stroke he suffered in August. I
therefore went to his home to present the award
to him.

Been there, seen it... no longer a secret!

Alan getting his trophy from Roland

Well done Alan.
We mapped out next year with suggestions of
where we want to go and what we want to do.
We have a number of trips abroad next year and
loads of places to go to in this country.
Should be a good year again next year.
I then started to sell some of the Air Ambulance
wristbands that the HOC and the AAA purchased.
I secured 300 from Essex Air Ambulance.
I shall be taking 1000 of the wristbands to the
NEC show where Graham will sell them over the
week he is there.
Well done everyone for making the NLHOC
what it is today.

The Nuclear Secret Bunker
Sunday 28th October
It was arranged for the Beds Branch to ride with
us today to the Secret Nuclear Bunker at Kelvedon.
We arranged to meet up at the Birchanger
Services at 10am.
Graham and Steve (sorry if I got his name wrong)
meet up with us. We had a coffee before riding off
to the Bunker. Not going to call it the secret nuclear
bunker anymore as everyone knows about it.
We arrived at the bunker and used the
communication wands to work our way around the
bunker.

You need a good 2 hours at least to get around
the bunker, there is so much to be seen there.
We had something to drink and eat after going
around the bunker. There is a café on the exit of
the bunker.
We had a bit of a natter before we then set off
for home.
It was good meeting up with another Branch and
it is something we agreed we would do more of
in the future.

Fireworks NLHOC style
Thursday 1st November
We held our firework display in the garden of
the Kings Oak.
We had a good attendance again this year.
Most members brought some fireworks along for
the night.
We assigned our chief firework lighters and sat
back and watched the display.
The displayed lasted for just under the hour and
was as good as last year’s display.
We had a complaint from a neighbour of the pub
that the fireworks went on for well over an hour and
were too loud.
This isn’t true. They lasted for just under an hour.
It was a good evening and I think the customers
of the pub and the staff enjoyed the display.
There were people on the common land across
from the pub that had two separate displays going
on at the same time. Seemed like everyone wanted
to have fireworks this night.
Until next year.

Roland

• northlondon@hoc.org.uk • www.northlondon.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 89

Northants & MK

Secretary: Sue Beck - 07863 599992

A

s per usual we have been busy, busy, busy.
Since the last magazine we have continues
to meet every week at our posh new venue, The
Oak Room at Overstone Manor. Now having on
average 40 members turn up every week many of
whom take advantage of the 2 for £10 deal and
have their tea there.
We managed the last few EORs without much in
the way of wet stuff. The last EOR led by Paul (our
Chairman) broke with tradition and ended back at
the Manor.
We had a weekend at Silverstone for the BSB,
see seperate report. Saturday 6th October and
a group of us took part in the RTTW, a seperate
report on this is on page 13.
Wednesday 10th October, we were once
again graced by John Measures presence and his
presentation “The end of the Compensation Culture
as we know it ... or is it? “ Another good turnout
for an informative evening, thank you John but mind
that wire.
Two weeks later on Wednesday 24th October
our very own Phil Barberton gave us a talk on his
Bikertidy products. Phil donated a bikertidy for our
weekly raffle, Kelly and Minty were lucky enough
to win this.

Phil demonstrating his Bikertidy products

A fairly large group had a ride out to Duxford
for Remembrance Day, again there is a seperate
report in this magazine on page 62.

In front of a Spitfire at Duxford

Wednesday 14th November and our Quiz and
Chip night with yours truly as quizmistress. We were
joined by 5 members from the Bedford Branch and
12 members of Tudor Rose Goldwings. Around 60
people in total enjoyed my fairly difficult questions
but at least everyone now knows they must tittle
their “i’s”.
We have “an evening with the Susans” planned
for December 12th followed one week later by
the return of Keith and Tania with their “around the
world on a CX500”.
Our Chilly run will be on January 1st with our
Branch Christmas Dinner on Friday 4th January.
Keith and Tania return on 16th January with “our
boat Merlin”. There is lots happening next year with
guest speakers, shows, rides, holidays etc etc etc...
2013 will be very busy, but that’s how we like it.
Ride safe,

Sue

• northants@hoc.org.uk • www.northants.hoc.org.uk •
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To celebrate Halloween we dressed the room up, we dressed
ourselves up, Pam made a cake and we had a great laugh.

ell it has been a very hectic and enjoyable few
months since the new Nottingham Branch was
launched.
Although as yet we are a small band of bikers we are
bonding well and are making use of the winter months
while riding will be scarce to plan out our calendar for next
year and look to arrange a myriad of social events and inter
branch quizzes.
As the winter weather approaches we have changed
our venue, as the original venue would be dangerous and
impassable in bad weather. Our new location is –
The Vale Hotel
Daybrook
Nottingham
NG5 6BP
Meetings are every other Tuesday, from 7.30pm onwards.
Other exciting news is that I have been busy designing our
Nottingham branch website and with the help of Stritchy
over the next month the final information will be added and
our website will be launched. I hope that once it is online,
you take the time to have a look, drop us a line and please
do let me know your thoughts on its content.
Regards,

Debbie

There was a great turnout for the first meeting

• nottingham@hoc.org.uk • www.nottingham.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 93

Oxford

Secretary: Erica Gassor - 07799 492235

H

ere I am again writing the report. Unfortunately
for the Oxford Branch members they voted me
in again as Secretary at our AGM in November.
All the existing committee were prepared to restand
and we are all set for another fun, eventful year. As
I write this our calendar of events and ride out’s is
being completed - watch this space for more info!
We hurtled into the Winter months with another
fun filled time. We have had excellent presentations
at our club nights from our pal Dave of MIS,
Headway (the local Oxford Charity for those with
brain damage) and Bridgestone Tyres, all giving
fascinating insights - albeit on totally different
subjects. Dave is a mine of information and always
gives a very entertaining presentation. Bridgestone
were fascinating talking about their racing tyre
development and how they blend this into the
range of road tyres they offer and Headway, the
Chairman of which is also a biker, gave a heart
rending insight into their work in the local area -

so much so they were unanimously voted as our
Branch charity for 2013 at our AGM and members
of the Branch have already actively started to
support their activities.
Must also mention
our Fireworks and
Fun night - ably
prepared
and
presented by Mark,
our Chairman, who
ensured we had a
display which brought forth
a great number of ‘oooos’
and ‘aaaaahs’ from the
assembled members - sweets
to munch and a sandwiches
and chip supper were also
on offer to complete the
evening.

Perhaps the highlight of our Branch events this Autumn was our second well attended Poker Run which
attracted members from Bedford, Northants and Wilts - despite freezing fog in the morning - 27 attendees
in all. Meeting at the H Cafe for hot drinks and breakfast we waited till the sun broke through to enjoy a
brilliant day of riding twisty roads, viewing Cotswold villages and trying to solve a film related question
at each stop. Prizes were donated by Bridgestone Tyres and Can-Klean (owned by our members Clive
and Anne) and a total of £213 was put towards our total fund raising effort for the HOC National Charity
NABB. Days out are always such fun and games and no, Ted, the door of that loo was not jammed....
just blame some of your mates for being unable to escape!

Poker Run - brrrrr cold start

Poker Run - warming up in the café

• oxford@hoc.org.uk • www.oxford.hoc.org.uk •
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Poker Run - getting ready to have lunch

Fifteen of us made the trip up to the
National Rally - just pipping other
branches at the post for the award for
the most attendees at the rally.
An excellent ride up, brilliant
selection of rides on the Saturday
(stunning area!) and lots of fun
entertainment was enjoyed by all well done to the organizers and who
made it so possible. The weather was
a tad wet and windy (!!!) on the way
home but we all returned safe and
sound... ready to book and enjoy
next year’s National in Wales!

Settled in now

Poker Run - fun in the sun!

Ted on the ride out

Evening fun

Waiting for food

Dancing the night away

Eyemouth is well worth a visit

Oxford recently joined the Wilts Branch for a return Quiz Night - an excellent night of fun and hospitality
with our mates and we narrowly maintained our title with one of our teams winning the evening.
Lots of us are now getting ready for our Christmas Dinner Dance, at which we will be having our final
fund raising raffle for NABB - prizes donated by our members Jim and Sue from AFGK Kitchens which
will be followed closely by our fun Festive Quiz night (what will Mary-Anne have in store for us this year!)
Weekends away, event days, speakers, rides, shows are all being planned to ensure that 2013 is as
eventful and enjoyable as 2012.

Erica

• oxford@hoc.org.uk • www.oxford.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 95

Reading

Secretary: Bryan Moody - 07813 849782

W

ell Reading Branch has had its AGM, this
was a well-attended affair which concluded
with the existing committee being re-elected for
the coming year. As always cakes were on the
table, for a few minutes anyway until Colleen and
Angie started snorting!!! The accounts for the year
showed to be very strong, in fact we were able to
donate £1,000 to our chosen charity for last year
- the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.
We were also able to donate £100 to NABB the
HOC national charity.
We were lucky to be visited by Alf Gasparro
and Katie Whelpdale of the air ambulance to
pick up the cheque and explain to us all how the
money will help towards the great work that the air
ambulance does.

The diary again includes the Cock and Bull Rally,
which hopefully will be as good or even better (if
that is possible) than last years.
The National Rally was attended by a number of
Reading members, unfortunately the distance and
people’s personal commitments reduced this year’s
attendance, we will be back in force next year!
It was good to attend the National AGM and
meet up with friends from other Branches.
November 11th was the day for Reading to meet
up with many other Branches at Duxford. It was
good to see old friends and look around a fantastic
museum. It was such a poignant moment to hear
the single gun fire to signal the start and finish of
two minutes silence. We Will Remember Them

The Branch with the charity cheque

The Rabble at Duxford

The beginning of September saw the Rabble on
the road to Sammy Miller’s, well eventually we got
on the road after some fool (Bryan) actually tried
to start his bike with the right key!!! Its funny how
they don’t work properly when they have not been
chipped correctly!! Mind you we did have to put
the bike back together after Colin had insisted on
taking it apart to find out why it wouldn’t start.
Continuing the theme of the year a few of the
guys trundled off to Wiltshire on the last trundle of
the year. As always they had a warm welcome.
Having established next year’s diary we intend to
be on the road to other Branches with our trundles
again, so watch out here we come!!

Once again Reading has a new home, after the
less than warm welcome by the new management
at our previous home we has now made The Royal
British Legion at Arborfield our home. Hopefully we
will settle here, initial indications are good. Please
come and see us if you can, a warm welcome will
always be given.
Coming up we have the Toy Run and the
Christmas bash, followed by a new and full year of
Reading rideouts and events.
Take care and best wishes for 2013 from all at
Reading.

Bryan

• reading@hoc.org.uk • www.reading.hoc.org.uk •
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• reading@hoc.org.uk • www.reading.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 97

• solent@hoc.org.uk • www.solent.hoc.org.uk •
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Solent

Secretary: Barbara Peace - 01903 716035

H

i from Solent, by the time you read this we will have had our
Christmas dinner and our Christmas party at club house. We are
also meeting on New Year’s Day for lunch. I will try and send pitchers
for next magazine.
We have booked the 19th Solent Rally for June 14th -16th
New venue and set up. it will be at: The Bat and Ball Newpound
Lane Wisborough Green West Sussex RH14 0EH the pub will do the
food, but we will still do our BBQ ON Saturday. See booking form.
Hope we all have good weather for all the rally’s next year and no
one has to cancelled.
Happy New Year to you all

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South Wales

Secretary: Donna Richards - 01639 766406

Well, it’s been a quiet few months for South Wales Branch. Due to poor weather
and other commitments, we haven’t been able to get out and about very much. On the
few occasions when we have, I have forgotten to take the camera. Hence the lack of
photographs this time.
Some of us attended the National AGM in October
and as usual, it was lovely to catch up with members
from other branches who have become really good
friends over the past few years.
On the same day, there was the annual ‘Hoggin’ the
Bridge’ event, which was started by Some ‘Hardly’
riders quite a few years ago and is now attended by
hundreds of riders from all over the country. The idea
is to raise money for charity by asking riders for a
donation to take part in riding over the Severn Bridge
‘en masse’. Some of our branch members went along to
take part and enjoyed the event. The number of bikes
taking part was phenomenal.
Also, on one of the very few sunny days in October,
we had a short rideout to Abergavenny where lots and
Hoggin’ the Bridge
lots of bikes congregate. It was lovely and sunny, but
still quite cold, so a cup of hot chocolate from the Oasis Café in the Bus Station was exactly
what was needed.
Last Saturday, we had a social evening at the Spice Route in Cardiff Bay. Fourteen of our
members had booked. It was an Indian buffet restaurant, with an excellent selection and
really good value. A good time was had by all.
A lot of our time has been spent over the last few months, getting the wheels in motion
for the National Rally 2013, which is to be held in Trecco Bay, Porthcawl. It’s an excellent
venue in a lovely holiday resort. Of course, we have some excellent biking roads in Wales
and a warm welcome you will never forget. Should be a blast! Many thanks to Ruth, who
has been handling all the caravan bookings and money. We appreciate it.
We are looking forward to the bike show at the NEC next week. We always have a
good time, so can’t wait. Of course, we also have our Branch Christmas Party coming up.
We always have a good laugh when we get together. At the end of November, we’ve
also got the National Christmas Weekend. I’m pleased to say that quite a few of our
Branch are attending, so it should be a good one.
Well, with all this going on, there’s no time to be out riding. Let’s hope we can get out
and about soon. Take care.

Donna

• southwales@hoc.org.uk • www.southwales.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 101

West London

Secretary: Steve Hill - 01689 850999

Brackley Festival of Motorcycling
What a fun day, the sun shone in August a rare
treat which made a ride from West London along
the back roads using the winding A413 to best
effect.We went through Aylesbury and Buckingham
and onto Brackley joining hundreds of other bikes
heading for the parking field.
£5.00 gave access to all events in the enclosure
from trials riding, stunts and the Wall of Death.
HOC Oxford’s Branch Stand was there along
with many other clubs both new and vintage.
The town centre of Brackley was turned into a
mini circuit where bikes of all sorts from Honda
sixes, BSA / Triumph Triples and a host of other
bikes paraded at full rev’s on open mega pipes.
The vast array of food available was a
gastronomical delight, later in the afternoon a 5
minute shower occurred just to remind everybody
that “I’m not far away” It was estimated that
fourteen thousand people attended.

Annual Ace Café Rockers Reunion
ride to Brighton Sea front
Another dry day another
great run, Thousands
upon thousands of bikes,
I had to park at the far
end of Madeira Drive
about 5 miles away (well
it felt like it) the walk back
to the HOC stand was a
chance to visit all the many
stalls and shows and just so we didn’t overheat a
customary beer was used to glaze the throat.
The Ace Café arranged a great show and many
dressed for the 50s (before my time I was only a
boy) (Yeah Mike.........;)) Why is it that fish & chips
taste much better at the seaside? Another day over
and finish with a stop off at Box Hill for coffee.

Ride It Right at Haslemere Fire
Station/Hornet day at the Ace
We had a joint stand with North Downs Branch
at these events - as always Ride it Right was an
interesting local event to attend especially for
the newer riders as there is a wealth of good
advice available. The Hornet day at the Ace was
moderately well attended - I managed to have a
look at screens as I would like something to deflect
the wind a bit. Again Chris, Marion, Steve and
Maureen organised the HOC stand.

Brightona
was interesting - it was the first time I had been.
Our ride there consisted of two groups - the fast
dudes and the slower dudes... Still we all made
it there and had a good time looking around the
bike show/stalls/wall of death etc and listening to
the live bands. I would deffo go again - worth a
£5 contribution to charity!! And yes - more fish &
chips!!!

HOC National Rally in Scotland

Mike at the National Rally

The 7am start for a non stop ride on the M25/
M1 for a meeting with Steve & Maureen at
the Nottingham Service Station this was quite
uneventful and about to change.

• westlondon@hoc.org.uk • www.westlondon.hoc.org.uk •
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After a coffee and a chat it started to rain not too
heavy but persistent this lasted until our next stop
just south of Scotch Corner.
We arrived in good time for a brilliant two days
of fun, good entertainment, well organised ride
outs through breathtaking scenery, we did the
Lochs ride on Saturday and on Sunday visited Holy
Island, Lindisfarne
Our ride was timed to suit the tide, it’s a very
quaint village with a few shops and lots of history.
A local drinking hole was found in the village for
a swift bevy before returning to Eyemouth. Eating
Cockles on Eyemouth harbour wall while watching
the seals being fed with Herrings from the end of a
long pole was quite entertaining
Monday morning beckoned with the knowledge
that high winds and lots of rain were forecast for
the near 400 mile ride home. The forecasters were
not wrong it lashed it down, hand driers are great
for drying out neck buffs but hey ho we only caught
pneumonia twice.
At the M25 Steve and I parted to go our separate
ways home I travelled west and got blinded by the
strong low sun what a day what a weekend. Many
thanks to Ruth & Andy for all their hard work

HOC West London AGM
This year we decided to combine our Branch
AGM and fireworks night. Tony volunteered to
be our host and we had a fab time being used
as target practise by a rogue firework before we
retired slightly singed indoors to eat drink & have
our AGM. The committee remains unchanged and in capable hands!! Thankyou to Tony for his
hospitality - hope you have found where we put
everything by now!!!

Portsdown Hill ride
Our last run before the magazine deadline was a
run to Portsdown Hill with North Downs to sample
the culinary delights of Micks Monster Burgers and
the edifying edifice which is Fort Nelson!!
We had 14 bikes on this run and amazingly
we all made it to Fareham to pick up a mate and
then headed off to Portsdown Hill. It was then that
we became separated and managed to arrive at
Portsdown Hill from two different directions!!
We met up with some other friends and Gosport
& Fareham Bikers for chips and chat before
travelling on to Fort Nelson for a mooch round.
All in all a good day - it was good to have such
a good turnout - bit like the old days!

HOC AGM

Great day out with North Downs Branch
John & Jude receive their
Certificates of Appreciation from Mike

This was again held at the National Motorcycle
Museum and was generally upbeat other than a
long and protracted debate on the subs increase.
Jon & Jude were given an award in recognition of
their long term service to the Club.
And yes the precipitation returned a lot on the
way home!

Which brings me to the end of this report - all I
have left to say is - have a fab Christmas and a safe
and active New Year.
If you’re in our area come along and join us for
a pint at the Hawke or a rideout one Sunday. Or
just keep informed of what’s happening by signing
up to our Facebook page - West London Honda
Owners Club.

Mike, Steve & Jude

• westlondon@hoc.org.uk • www.westlondon.hoc.org.uk •
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GOLDEN WING 103

West Midlands
Organisers: John & Jill - 07759 870874 & 01902 662763

By all accounts the August Bank hols weekend
was a wash out, a few members tried to attendlocal
shows only to find they had been cancelled due to
poor weather and water logged ground without
prior notice! However, Dave and I were lucky
enough to be holidaying in a very sunny France
and Chris was on this first bike touring hols in
German (please see separate article).
Tony & Debs led the September third Sunday
of the month rideout to Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall
in Llanchaeadr, they had their first pit stop at the
Little Chef in Oswestry, then rode to the waterfall,
returning home via Newtown and Clee Hills, with
a final stop, so rumour has it for ice creams at
Crossgates Café, thanks again to them for another
beautiful sunny ride around Wales!

Penny & Trevor joined us for a very enjoyable, but
eventful National Rally weekend, after boogying
Friday night away on the dance floor, we chose
Saturday’s leisurely rideout to Holy Island,
Bamburgh Castle then fish & chips at Seahouses,
the sun shone as we rode through the beautiful
county of Northumberland, this was our first visit to
this part of the country but it will definitely not be
our last as the scenery is fantastic and the roads are
made for biking!!

Waiting to go on the ride-out

Holy Island

Llanchaedr Waterfall

Bamburgh castle

• westmids@hoc.org.uk • www.westmids.hoc.org.uk •
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However after returning from the rideout “eagle
eyed” Trevor noticed Dave had a rather large shiny
object sticking in his rear tyre, the biker’s nightmare
a puncture.

Trying to fix the puncture

They tried to fix it with a can of foam, but in the
morning it was clear the puncture was too large,
so after a quick phone call to Carole Nash, they
despatched a very nice AA man who plugged the
tyre as a temporary fix and gave us a list of Bike
Shops in Newcastle to call & arrange a new tyre
on the journey home. Sunday evening we took
part in the quiz and were surprised at the extent
of our general knowledge, a mispent youth left me
knowing the ingredients to a Black Russian cocktail,
however Trevor did feel under pressure as a driving
instructor to come up with the correct answer for
“at what age do you have to re apply for your UK
driving licence” and he will never again forget he
lives in the largest inland county - Shropshire!
Monday morning we started our journey home,
having sourced a new tyre at M & S Motorcycles
in Newcastle, this was ready and waiting to be
fitted when we arrived in a very heavy downpour
of rain, the mechanic suggested we warm up at
a local cafe while he fitted the tyre, where the
“Geordie” hospitality was great and the 11 item
breakfast and a cup of tea gave us change from a
£5!!! The rest of the journey home was very wet;
Trevor was completely soaked thru and created a
lovely puddle when we stopped at the services for
a warming hot chocolate!!

Trevor making puddles on the way home

On Saturday 6th October we took advantage
of the sunny weather (as rideouts will be getting
less now as autumn draws in!) to ride to Betws Y
Coed in mid Wales. Tony & Debs, John, Chris &
new member Maurice enjoyed a pleasant ride
thru lovely scenery with lunch by the river taking
in the last rays of autumn sunshine. We would all
like to wish Maurice a warm welcome to the club
and hope he will be able to join us on many more
rideouts.
John organised our first Branch weekend away to
Blackpool for the illuminations, as Dave & I could
not make the week end due to work commitments,
here is John’s account of the weekend..........
The weekend of 13th Oct was our planned ride
to Blackpool illuminations where we had rooms
booked in the Parisienne Hotel North Shore. Miles
& Julie accompanied Pat & myself on the way up

• westmids@hoc.org.uk • www.westmids.hoc.org.uk •
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GOLDEN WING 105

on Friday as we simply couldn’t wait to get there
to check out the “Boudoir Style” accommodation
(budget not ooh la la) and see the delights of
this famous seaside town. It was still as we had
remembered it from childhood... showers with gale
force winds... meaning the Tower was closed for
safety reasons!!

Gale force Blackpool

On Saturday the weather improved so we
headed for the Tower early enabling Miles to fulfil
his dream of jumping up & down on the glass
viewing platform at the top!
This done, a happy Miles & Julie decided to visit
the Tower dungeons while Pat & I chose the less
scary Sea Life Centre!! Around lunchtime Chris,
Maurice, Tony & Debs, Nigel & Helen, Paul & Sue
arrived and once settled into their rooms went in
search of fun passing numerous fish & chip shops,
kiss me quick hats and rock stalls (i.e. same old
tack!) eventually arriving at the Pleasure Beach
after a long walk only to find it closed at 8pm!!
Sadly our only alternative was the pub (honest)
which everyone agreed on and a good time was
had by all; it was great to do something together
as a group. Cheers to the next time! J.T.

The gang enjoying the illuminations

On Remembrance Sunday we met in lovely
sunny weather, our first stop, at Tim’s request was
Mary Stevens Park where we joined the crowd to
pay our respects and observe the customary two
minutes silence, unfortunately Tim left his lights on
so a quick bump start was required (John next time
pls remember to let go!) before we headed off on
our rideout to Stratford upon Avon (this has a very
good biker’s only car park). Once there our first
stop was the Baguette Barge for lunch & warming
drink after which we spent a very pleasant
afternoon visiting Shakespeare’s grave, strolling
along the river and finished the day with a drink
outside a Pub, coats off enjoying the sunshine, we
could hardly believe it was November!

Winter sunshine in Stratford upon Avon

I think all members old and new will agreed that
it has been a great year for the club, meetings are
now regularly attended by our members and all
are taking an active part in organising rideouts &
events so we are all looking forward to 2013 when
we are hoping to have our first branch holiday,
lots more sunny rideouts and hopefully welcome
more members to our expanding West Midlands’s
Branch!!
And finally... I would like to welcome one of mine
and Dave’s mates for many years and a fellow
biker, Dave Petford, to the HOC we didn’t know
what to buy the person who has everything for their
birthday so we decided to treat him to a year’s
membership we hope he enjoys being a member
of our Club!
As always, until next time please keep the shiny
side up and the rubber side down (preferable
without a puncture!!)

Jill x

• westmids@hoc.org.uk • www.westmids.hoc.org.uk •
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’m sitting here righting this after our branch
Christmas dinner so I’m a bit full of pudding….
Anyway since the last report we got to Rivington
Barn on a very nice day, Steve, Maria, Dave,
Lisa, Clive, Ursula, Ian, Shaun & Andrea made the
trip, now I had done a route on the PC the night
before on Google maps and when we got there
what looked like a road wasn’t, it was a dirt track
so after 200 yards off-roading we were there, it
turned out to be a nice sunny day so we went onto
Skipton on the way home for a brew…
We had a long weekend at the Pickering War
Weekend in the caravans, 6 of us went along and
again had a great time Maria even got to try a
German’s Helmet for size…!

Weapon in hand

German’s Helmet

If you haven’t been to this you must try to get there
we watched battles and saw tanks and the people
who put this on live the part they are very good at
what they do it’s a must if you like that sort of thing,
after we went to Pickering Showground we went
to a small town called Levisham which is German
occupied for the weekend and you even have to
show your papers if you get off the train, they were
firing guns and I found a rather big one so had to
have a hold.

We had a run out to Masham with the other bike
club were in, there’s 7 West Yorks members in the
club so we have a few runs together, we were
joined by Mick from Three Shires Branch and he
came with us to Masham were he went off to the
Manor Café at Layburn.
The National Rally at Eyemouth went down great
with loads of us from West Yorkshire going along
losing the best attended branch by just 1…… it
was a great turnout by the branch considering
its 160 miles up there, the event was very well
organised by Ruth & Stritchy and others so a great
big WELL DONE to everybody who helped and
we are already booked for next year….

• westyorks@hoc.org.uk • www.westyorks.hoc.org.uk •
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The trip home was a wet one we set off and
within 5 miles it started to rain and didn’t stop all
the way home but still a great weekend was had
by all the members….

The Branch in Eyemouth

Me and Maria went to the NEC bike show and
called in to see the HOC stand it was nice to catch
up on some old friends and they were doing a
great job and had signed on quite a few new
members so good do all round, still trying to get
Maria to let have the new CB1100 but I don’t want
to lose the CB1000 so cant have everything…..
Last thing on this report is the Christmas Party,
21 members again made it a good night with
everyone having a good time, the Hitching Post
where we meet did us proud yet again so a big
thanks to them and the staff who were as always

very helpful, if you’re in our area call in to the
Hitching Post for a carvery at only £3.99 Mon
to Sat and £6 Sundays…. Have a look on our
web site for details of how to get there…. Adrian
& Dave won the quiz so well done to them, the
beer and wine went down well as always I even
gave everybody a Carole Nash Calendar from the
bike show.
Can I say a Big Thanks to everyone who came,
without you there would not be a West Yorkshire
Branch so give yourselves a big pat on the back
and lets hope 2013 is a bit dryer so we can get out
a bit more… That’s it, Hi to all who know me and
Maria and we hope you all had a good Christmas
and will have a very Happy new year, see ya
all……

Steve & Maria

Christmas party at The Hitching Post

• westyorks@hoc.org.uk • www.westyorks.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 109

Wiltshire

Secretary: Ian Hammond - 07989 531121

W

ell time passes quickly when you’re
enjoying yourself, as reviewing the details
of what we managed to do over the last few
months seems to contradict that the summer was
one of the wettest on record. But in September
we had a really good turnout for a rideout with
more than 15 bikes and riders, with Ted and others
from Oxford and a few from further a field that
made the most of a dry and warm day in taking
in some of the Cotswolds landscape which saw
us travelling through Stow-on-the-Wold and then
stopping for lunch at Wellsbourne airfield cafe, we
then headed off to Broadway via Stratford-uponAvon, and a blast up Fish hill, and some decided
to turn around and tackle it again, after which it
was a stop for a tea break at Broadway Tower
to take in the view , once all refreshed it was time
to head home retracing the route back from Stow
down to Swindon.

The bikes on Broadway

Now 3 of us managed to attend the National
Rally in Scotland and had a great weekend, taking
in some wonderful scenery, and good biking
roads, and meeting up with others we don’t see
very often, and again blessed with dry conditions
on the Saturday and Sunday especially compared
to the journeys of travelling up, which was taken at
a leisurely pace over 2 days and then the torrential
downpour on the Monday which saw 9 of us

agreeing to leave Eyemouth as a group, which
certainly helped us get home safely and arriving
back in the county to dry conditions that evening.
We were certainly glad to have made it home, as
the some of the roads we had travelled down were
closed on the Tuesday due to flooding.

Wiltshire Willy & Calne Connie at the National

September saw us with a social night and we
were joined by some of Reading who came down
and swelled the numbers, and October saw the
same with a handful of members turning up at the
Red Lion on the regular Tuesday.
The sun shone for most of the time when I went up
for the day to support those who were manning a
stand at the Hornet Day at the Ace Cafe, although
it was certainly a cold crisp start, but it was a
pleasant Sunday and with Chris and Marian from
North Downs and Steve for West London and
others who helped out we had a good day, and
took note of a lot of owners who’s Hornets had
been modified to their own taste, but I think I’ll keep
mine as it is for the moment.
Later in the month saw some enjoy the antics of
Oxford’s Poker Run which was raising money for
the club’s nominated charity of the Blood Bikers.
On the 3rd November we duly held our own
charity event. With the agreement of Blades in
Swindon to erect one of the gazebos in front of the
showroom and hold a raffle, as well as promote

• wiltshire@hoc.org.uk • www.wiltshire.hoc.org.uk •
110 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

the club/branch, to raise money for the NABB, we
certainly did well with some good prizes being
donated with the star item being a HJC helmet
from Blades themselves, the day was dry but very
cold so how those MCN girls managed to cope is
mystery, but at least them were happy to pose with
us which helped get a picture on to their website.
Now I’m pleased to say with gentle persuasion
people were happy to donate a £1 for a ticket
and which meant we had a total sum raised of
£200 and so really felt that the effort by all was
worth getting everything in place for and standing
out in the chilly conditions, and so our thanks goes
out to all who gave up their time for supporting this
good cause.

we managed to eventually get through and
complete by 10.30, and again Oxford had the
winning team, so now its 2-0 and we shall look
forward to next time which hopefully will be early
in the new year.

Quiz night winners

Looking cold at the Branch charity event

Our last event was with 8 from Oxford coming to
us at the Red Lion for our return match of a Quiz
Night and with Glyn doing his Bamber Gasgione

So next in the diary is the Dinner Dance for some,
our own Branch Christmas party and a variety of
Toy Runs with the last one for us in Swindon which
is organised by Pinkerton Bikers and is right on the
22nd December which hopefully will be fair day
and not as treacherous as last year’s conditions on
the roads. And so by the time you have read this
we will have done a small get together for a new
years meet and maybe bikes for the brave, and
start to look forward to the spring.

Ian

Cotswold rideout

• wiltshire@hoc.org.uk • www.wiltshire.hoc.org.uk •
WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 111

Members free Ads

For Sale
Honda S90 (1965)

Only 5000 miles
In original condition. Has
been in storage since 1981.
Spares. Easy restoration.

www.forum.hoc.org.uk
Are you selling your bike?
Want to get rid of some kit?
Too many spares cluttering the garage?
Members can advertise in the Free Ads section
of Golden Wing simply by e-mailing
editor@hoc.org.uk
or writing to
38 Bower Street, Bedford MK40 3RE

Get big discounts on
multi-bike insurance
If you have more than one motorcycle
insured on separate policies, the chances
are you can save money by switching to a
multi-bike policy.

Having one multi-bike policy will not only
save you money, but will cut down your
admin, providing one policy, with one
renewal date and one premium.

Many passionate bikers have more than
one bike - maybe a daily commuter bike
and a classic for summer cruising - but are
failing to take advantage of the fact that
they can only ride one at a time.

Policies can cover a range of different types
of bike together, whether you own two
bikes or 20, including standard road bikes,
modified bikes, classics, trikes or imports,
with £100,000 of legal cover provided
free.

Insurers have recognised that riders should
not pay two or more full premiums for bikes
that spend part of their lives safely tucked
away in the garage.

All the usual extra benefits can be added
to a multi-bike policy, including personal
injury cover, comprehensive breakdown
cover and up to £1,000 cover for helmet
and leathers.

Specialist broker Bikesure offers a range of
policies that can provide big discounts for
multiple bikes, especially where there is only In addition to the multi-bike discounts,
one named driver - reducing the exposure to savings can also be made on some
each bike being involved in an accident.
schemes for:
• Honda Owners Club membership
Bikesure manager Rob Balls said that
• Limited mileage
the more bikes a rider owns and insures
• Security precautions
together, the bigger the discounts.
• Keeping your motorbikes in a garage
“Obviously single riders with multiple bikes
• Advanced riding qualifications
attract the biggest premium reductions, for
Agreed values for custom, classic and
the simple reason that each bike will be
modified bikes can be arranged, while
ridden less than if the rider just had one
quotes can be given for riders with motoring
bike for continuous use,” he added, “not
or criminal convictions and those with zero
every insurer offers multi-bike cover, so it
pays to shop around and use a broker who no claims bonus.

will have access to more different schemes
and can find the right policy for you.”

See www.bikesure.co.uk

Bikesure give the HOC commission on every
insurance policy sold through to HOC members

WINTER 2012

GOLDEN WING 115

HOConsumer
future proof bike cleaning
Showroom Shine from Greased Lightning is the UK’s highest selling waterless wash with over 1.5
million bottles sold, offering superior cleaning without the fuss of a bucket and sponge - saving
time, water and money. Achieve a showroom shine at any time, wherever your bike takes you.
In recent months, due to necessity, riders on
the look out for innovative methods for keeping
their bikes spotless have discovered the future of
automotive cleaning, and it’s one that requires no
water and takes just half the time. With Showroom
Shine, it doesn’t matter how dirty your motorcycle
is. Simply spray on the formula and wipe straight
off, leaving a dazzling shine and perfect scratch
free finish every time. Great for you, your bike and
the environment.
Price: £16.99 - 1 Litre
Tel: 0845 5001133
Web: www.greasedlightning.co.uk

The first correct answer out of
the ‘hat’ wins.
Answers must be received by
31 March 2013.

New Product

ü Over 1.5 million bottles sold
ü Fast and easy to use
ü Clean, shine and protect in one
smears, streaks, scratches
ü No
or water spots
most popular waterless
ü The
wash and wax in the UK
litre bottle good for 10 family
ü 1sized
cars
2000 litres of water
ü Save
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indoors and outdoors,
ü Use
rain or shine
to use on metal, glass,
ü Safe
plastic and paintwork

or

New Service?

It costs nothing to promote your new product or service in
HOConsumer and reach over 2200 HOC members every 3 months
Please send your press release and print quality photos to

hoconsumer@hoc.org.uk

116 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

two great new racing titles
JOEY, RAY and RIVALS

MotoGP Great Moments

A glorious chapter in the
history of road racing is
brought to life in the new
DVD Joey, Ray and Rivals
(and a little bit of road
racing history).
The
programme
is
about motorcycle groups
the Armoy Armada, led
by Joey Dunlop, and the
Dromara Destroyers, led
by Ray McCullough,
which raced in Ulster during the 1960s
and 1970s, and is probably the most comprehensive
history of this legendary rivalry ever made.
The DVD features interviews with all the Dromara
Destroyer riders; Ray McCullough, Ian McGregor,
Brian Reid and Trevor Steele. From the Armoy side,
Joey Dunlop’s brother Jim, Paul Robinson, son of
Mervyn, Frank Kennedy’s brother Bill, and Hugh and
James O’Kane are interviewed.
There are also contributions from William Dunlop,
Guy Martin, Conor Cummins, John McGuinness,
Steve Parrish and many more, including veteran
Scottish rider Denis Gallagher.
Joey, Ray and Rivals features many unpublished
pictures from family albums and photographers who
were close to the groups. Also included is footage of
racing in the 1960s and 1970s which has never been
seen on DVD before.
Plus, there is a unique interview with McCullough
recorded in 1979 in which he predicts Joey’s first win
at the North West 200.
A donation from each sale will go to the Dromara
Fund for a tribute garden to remember the Destroyers.

The
MotoGP
World
Championship
has
produced some of the
most spectacular and
memorable
sporting
images ever captured on
camera. Now fans can
relive the very greatest in
an official documentary.
The MotoGP World
Championship
has
produced some of the
most spectacular and memorable sporting
images ever captured on camera. Now fans can
relive the very greatest in an official documentary,
bringing together the greatest moments from the
world’s premier motorcycle racing championship.
The programme features jaw-dropping compilations
of the most spectacular crashes, unforgettable
passes and the best ultra slow motion and on-board
sequences.
Fans can enjoy the best last laps, including the
epic final corner of the 2009 Catalunya race and
the notorious 2005 Jerez showdown. There’s also a
chance to see the men behind the helmets as we see
the racers having fun away from the track, in often
hilarious situations.
All the stars are featured, including Jorge Lorenzo,
Dani Pedrosa, Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner, Sete
Gibernau, Kenny Roberts Jr, Loris Capirossi and, of
course, Valentino Rossi - The Doctor almost always at
the centre of MotoGP’s Great Moments.
Duke is also once again bringing fans the official
review of the 2012 MotoGP World Championship,
with stunning action from every round of the battle
between Lorenzo and Pedrosa for the title. It will be
available on High Definition Blu-ray and DVD.

(and a little bit of road racing history)

JOEY, RAY and RIVALS (and a little bit of road
racing history) is available on DVD from leading
retail outlets and direct from Duke Video at £19.99
or via Duke Download for just £9.99.

MotoGP’s Great Moments is available on DVD,
priced at £16.99 or from leading retail outlets or
direct from Duke Video.

New HotGrips from oxford
The new Oxford HotGrips have so many
improvements over the previous models that it
is impossible to encapsulate them in one short
story, broadly, there are now two ranges of
Hotgrips - Essential and Premium.
Essential HotGrips are designed for those on
a budget wanting simple, reliable and good quality
heated grips without all the trimmings for a sensible
price. Two variants - Scooter and Commuter - cost
£39.99 and £44.99 respectively. The features can be
summarised as follows:
• Simple 2 level heat switch
• Simple robust grip design
• Simple wiring loom and fitment
• Simple & reliable technology
• Very competitive price

The key new features can be summarised as
follows, but it must be stressed that these products and
the technology and manufacturing processes which
create their features and reliability are entirely new:
• Advanced ergonomic grip designs for specific
motorcycle types
• Advanced 5 level heat controller, very compact
due to miniaturised electronics
• Water-proof, heat-proof, frost-proof, vibrationproof, electrical pulse-proof
• Unique battery saving mode with LED indicator
• Advanced robotic manufacturing process for
consistency and contamination elimination
• Unparalled reliability and longevity designed into
every component

Premium HotGrips cater for those who want
high performance grips for specific motorcycle types
and the full fat cumulation of Oxford’s 30+ years of
electronics development in the ultimate heated grip.
Three models are available at the outset - Touring,
Sports and Adventure - costing £79.99.

Introducing priceanybike.com
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buying or selling.
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118 GOLDEN WING

WINTER 2012

All Weather Luggage for All Year
Oxford has introduced a fantastic new range of waterproof luggage to add to their market
leading range of products. The new Aqua luggage is a convenient, lightweight luggage made
with water resistant zips and a roll top opening, ensuring maximum protection in all weather.
Oxford’s Aqua luggage has been designed by
a team of enthusiasts who understand the specific
requirements of life on two wheels.
The luggage is therefore designed to be
user-friendly when fixing it to a bike and comes
with compression straps to ensure stability when
attached.

Like all Oxford luggage, the number (e.g. Aqua
“20”) signifies the approximate capacity of the
bag in litres.
Features for all bags:
• Front pocket with water resistant zips for easy
access to small essential items
• Uses electro welded seams for waterproofing
• Reflective inserts for greater visibility

Aqua Roll Bags

Aqua Back Packs

Aqua 20R

Easy to carry when off thebike

Specific features of the Roll Bags:
• Integral velcro base strap and Double D ring
adjustable straps, to secure the bag to the
rear seat of the motorcycle
• Carry handles and a shoulder strap are
included for ease of transportation when
off the bike
Aqua 30 rrp £49.99
Aqua 50 rrp £59.99

Aqua 25R
Aqua 30R

Specific features of the Back Packs:
• Side pocket made from netting
• Padded and breathable rear section, with
adjustable shoulder straps
• Aqua 25 & 30 use an innovative new fitting
system which is fully height adjustable
Aqua 20R rrp £39.99
Aqua 25R rrp £49.99
Aqua 30R rrp £59.99

Aqua Waist Packs
Features of the Waist Packs:
• Fully adjustable waist strap can be
removed and the bag used as an
extra waterproof pocket on the belt
of a jacket
Aqua 2 rrp £17.99
Aqua 3 rrp £19.99

Golden Wing - Winter 2012

Quarterly magazine of the Honda Owners Club (GB), sent free to all members. Established in 1961, the Honda Owners Club (GB) is the oldest one make Japanese motorcycle club in the country with over 2,500 single and joint members. The Honda Owners Club (GB) is not run by Honda UK, it is owned and run voluntarily by the membership.